Assistant Category Manager

Join to apply for the Assistant Category Manager role at Service Inspired Restaurants (SIR Corp.).

At Service Inspired Restaurants (SIR Corp.), we pride ourselves on our diverse portfolio of restaurants and a bold, results-driven culture that creates new opportunities for everyone. We live our values and promises in everything we do, aiming to be the first choice for guests, team members, supplier partners, communities, and investors. We offer opportunities across various concepts, including Jack Astor’s Bar and Grill®, SCADDABUSH Italian Kitchen & Bar®, Reds® Wine Tavern, The Loose Moose® and The Antler Room, Duke's Refresher® + Bar, and Abbey’s Bake House in Muskoka. Join us to learn more and see if you have what it takes to be part of our team!

Role Description

• Support the oversight of assigned categories by assisting with product compliance checks and leveraging market insights to help identify growth opportunities.
• Assist in managing and maintaining vendor pricing agreements, ensuring adherence to company standards and policies under the guidance of the Category Manager.
• Work closely with Category Managers and culinary leaders to contribute to brand identity initiatives.
• Help oversee vendor and distribution relationships to support optimal procurement and logistics performance.
• Assist in establishing, monitoring, and ensuring product quality standards and service levels are maintained across all restaurant locations.
• Align purchasing activities with corporate objectives and provide support to the purchasing team in meeting departmental goals.
• Effectively communicate new programs, product launches, and updates to culinary and operations teams as directed.
• Partner with culinary leadership to help source new products, coordinate delistings, and support efforts to optimize category performance.
• Assist with the renewal and negotiation of vendor contracts, programs, and agreements, ensuring all documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments to support alignment and efficiency of purchasing activities.
• Participate in the planning, execution, and delivery of annual category reviews, providing data and administrative support as required.
• Attend trade shows and industry events as needed to support the identification of new vendors, products, and emerging market trends.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Category Manager or Purchasing leadership.

Qualifications

• This is a hybrid position based out of our office in Burlington Ontario
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in a related role is required; experience in restaurant operations or the food service industry is highly valued.
• Demonstrated ability to excel in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
• Strong negotiation, organizational, decision-making, and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong time management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• A valid driver’s license in good standing with access to a vehicle is required as there may be some occasional travel to various restaurant, trade show, or vendor locations.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and internal teams.
• Ability to foster strong relationships with vendors, and internal departments.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook); ability to create reports, manage spreadsheets, and analyze data effectively.

Core Values

• Hospitality - Enhancing the dignity, comfort and well-being of Our People
• Authenticity - Being forthright, truthful and transparent with Our People
• Quality - Working to always improve the experience of Our People
• Fun - Bringing the spirit of laughter, celebration, sharing and joy to Our People
• Courage - Acting with conviction in the balanced interest of Our People

Service Inspired Restaurants® is committed to fair and equitable recruiting practices in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA). Persons with disabilities are encouraged to come forward at any stage of the recruitment process to request accommodations, if needed. Members of our team will consult and create processes that provide individuals with disabilities the best possible recruitment experience.