Equipment & Smallwares Program Manager

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Equipment & Smallwares Program Manager is responsible for the strategic sourcing, procurement, testing, commercialization, and system-wide implementation of equipment and smallwares across the TSC system. This role serves as the primary liaison between Supply Chain, Design & Construction, Operations, Training, Culinary, and supplier partners to ensure equipment and smallwares solutions meet operational, financial, and brand objectives.

This position is accountable for developing category strategies, leading supplier selection and contract negotiations, managing equipment and smallwares lifecycle initiatives, and overseeing new product and equipment rollouts. The Equipment & Smallwares Program Manager will lead cross-functional projects from concept through implementation, including equipment testing, specification development, new restaurant openings, remodel programs, and system-wide conversions. This role reports to the Vice President of Supply Chain Operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for equipment, smallwares, and related operational assets across the system
• Lead competitive procurement events including RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, supplier/distributor evaluations, and contract negotiations
• Identify, qualify, and manage supplier partners to ensure alignment with quality, service, innovation, and cost objectives
• Conduct supplier capability assessments, factory visits, and product evaluations to support sourcing recommendations

Testing, Commercialization & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Lead cross-functional equipment and smallwares testing programs, including pilot testing, operational validation, and commercialization activities; coordinate pilot testing and operational validation activities with Operations serving as the business owner to define key operational requirements, success criteria, and final approval for implementation
• Partner with Operations, Culinary, Training, and Design & Construction teams to evaluate new equipment and smallware technologies and operational solutions
• Develop business cases and procurement recommendations supported by financial analysis, total cost of ownership, ROI, lifecycle cost, and operational impact assessments
• Establish and maintain equipment and smallwares specifications, standards, and approved supplier programs
• Coordinate the commercialization process, ensuring approved equipment and smallwares are transitioned into standard operating procedures, training, procurement, and implementation plans

Program & Project Leadership

• Manage equipment and smallware packages and procurement strategies for new restaurant openings, relocations, remodels, and refresh initiatives
• Lead system-wide equipment and smallwares rollouts, including project planning, supplier coordination, implementation schedules, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication
• Serve as project manager for multiple concurrent initiatives, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to business requirements

Supplier Performance & Commercial Management

• Monitor supplier performance, service levels, lead times, quality metrics, warranty claims, and corrective action plans
• Conduct regular supplier business reviews that capture spend, performance, innovation pipelines, technology roadmaps, business growth strategies, and market developments
• Negotiate pricing, rebates, warranty terms, service agreements, inventory programs, and other commercial terms to maximize value for the brand
• Manage supplier contracts and ensure compliance with legal, operational, and commercial requirements

Cost, Risk & Innovation

• Identify and execute cost savings and value engineering initiatives without compromising operational effectiveness or guest experience
• Evaluate emerging technologies, equipment innovations, and industry trends to improve restaurant efficiency, throughput, labor productivity, and profitability
• Develop contingency plans and alternate sourcing strategies to mitigate supply chain risks and business disruptions

Stakeholder Communication & Leadership

• Communicate project status, sourcing recommendations, implementation plans, and business impacts to franchisees and internal stakeholders
• Build collaborative relationships with Legal, Operations, Design & Construction, Training, Culinary, QA, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes, as well as with supplier working teams and key executive contacts
• Act as a leader, manager, and mentor within the organization
• Other responsibilities as assigned by management

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years of experience in equipment procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, restaurant development, facilities, or related roles
• Experience sourcing and managing foodservice equipment and/or smallwares categories
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and large-scale operational rollouts
• Experience managing supplier relationships, contract negotiations, and procurement initiatives
• Experience with equipment testing, commercialization, implementation, or restaurant development projects preferred
• Supply chain, restaurant operations, design and construction, or equipment management experience within the foodservice industry
• QSR or Fast Casual experience preferred

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Engineering, Construction Management, Operations, Finance, or a related field
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, KNOWLEDGE, OR LICENSES

• Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier management, and contract negotiation principles
• Experience conducting RFx processes and supplier evaluations
• Knowledge of foodservice equipment, smallwares, restaurant operations, and equipment lifecycle management
• Understanding of project management methodologies and change management principles
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Strong financial acumen, including total cost of ownership, ROI analysis, capital budgeting, and cost modeling
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and drive projects to completion
• Must be computer proficient (MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) with intermediate to advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel
• Experience with project management software and procurement systems preferred (e.g., [name TSC’s specific PM/procurement systems])
• CPSM, CPM, PMP, or similar certifications are a plus

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• This position requires up to 20% travel as needed to support supplier visits, equipment testing, restaurant openings, pilot programs, trade shows, and key business initiatives

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.