Sr. Equipment Procurement Manager

Hunt Advantage Group (H-ADV) is a master distributor of the national brand Hunt Brothers® Pizza food program that procures proprietary products and sells these products to four (4) distributors spread across 23 remote distribution centers in 21 states. Our primary function is to procure goods in the form of Hunt Brothers® Pizza, branded pizza shoppes, pizza preparation equipment, frozen and canned packed food products, advertising, and promotion materials from third party vendors for use in Hunt Brothers® Pizza and chicken retail business.

With over 45 years of business behind us, we are strategically positioned to grow within and beyond current territories with our purpose to “create opportunities for families through love and pizza™”. Hunt Advantage Group, LLC is Christian-based company, striving to turn outward to be a blessing in all they do.

H-ADV is currently looking for a Senior Equipment Category Manager. The Sr. Equipment Category Manager is responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement process for all equipment-related purchases, including developing category strategies, supplier relationship management, cost optimization, and ensuring that equipment procurement aligns with the company’s operational and financial goals. This role requires expertise in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and market analysis to drive efficiency, quality, and innovation in equipment acquisition.

Key Responsibilities

• Category Strategy Development:
• o Develop and implement a comprehensive category management strategy for all equipment-related purchases, aligning with the company's business objectives.
• o Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry benchmarks to inform sourcing strategies.
• o Continuously review the equipment and smallware’s portfolio to identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and risk mitigation.
• Supplier Relationship Management:
• o Build and maintain strong relationships with key equipment suppliers, ensuring high levels of service, quality, and innovation.
• o Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service level agreements (SLAs) to secure favorable terms and long-term partnerships.
• o Develop supplier performance metrics and lead periodic performance reviews to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and standards.
  
  

• Procurement & Sourcing:
• o Lead the procurement process for equipment and smallware, including RFPs/RFQs, vendor selection, contract negotiation, and purchasing.
• o Ensure compliance with company policies, budget constraints, and timelines in all purchasing activities.
• o Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Quality, Operations, Finance) to define equipment specifications and requirements.
• Cost Management & Optimization:
• o Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives through supplier consolidation, volume leverage, and alternative sourcing strategies.
• o Manage the total cost of ownership (TCO) for equipment, ensuring optimal balance between cost, quality, and functionality.
• o Work with internal stakeholders to forecast equipment needs and align purchasing strategies with operational requirements.
• Inventory & Lifecycle Management:
• o Oversee the equipment lifecycle, from acquisition to end-of-life, ensuring efficient utilization, maintenance, and disposal processes.
• o Collaborate with Operations, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability, availability, and compliance with safety standards.
• o Monitor and manage equipment inventory levels, ensuring adequate supply while minimizing excess stock.
• Market Analysis & Benchmarking:
• o Conduct ongoing market research to stay current on industry trends, new technologies, and competitive pricing for equipment.
• o Benchmark supplier offerings and pricing to ensure competitiveness and best-in-class procurement practices.
• o Provide insights and recommendations to leadership on emerging opportunities and risks in the equipment category.
• Risk Management & Compliance:
• o Assess and mitigate risks related to equipment sourcing, including supply chain disruptions, regulatory compliance, and quality issues.
• o Ensure all equipment procured meets safety, environmental, and legal standards.
• o Implement contingency plans to address potential supply chain disruptions or changes in market conditions.
• Reporting & Analysis:
• o Prepare and present regular reports on equipment spend, supplier performance, cost savings, and other key performance indicators (KPIs).
• o Utilize data analytics to identify trends and opportunities for improvement in procurement practices.
• o Maintain accurate records of contracts, purchase orders, and supplier agreements.
  

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field (Experience in lieu of may be considered)
• 5-7 years of experience in procurement, category management, or supply chain roles, preferably with a focus on equipment/smallware’s procurement highly desired.
• Strong negotiation, vendor management, and contract management skills.
• Expertise in strategic sourcing, cost optimization, and market analysis.
• Excellent communication, project management, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with internal teams and external suppliers to drive successful outcomes.
  

Preferred Skills

• Experience in C-store, food, especially in managing equipment, ovens, and smallware
  
  

H-ADV is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.