DIRECTOR, PROCUREMENT STRATEGY & SYSTEMS

Summary: This role is responsible for designing, building, and scaling KOA’s system-wide procurement capability across both company-owned (OAK) and franchise locations. The Director will lead the development of a centralized, operator-friendly procurement system that delivers cost savings, improves consistency, and reduces operational friction. This includes building the foundation for a long-term Group Purchasing Organization (GPO). Success in this role will not be measured solely by vendor contracts, but also by operator adoption, system usage, and ease of execution in the field. This role requires a servant leadership mindset, with a strong emphasis on communication, collaboration, and the ability to influence without direct authority across both company-owned and franchise environments.   Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Build the Procurement System (Primary Focus) Design and implement a centralized ordering experience Establish a scalable procurement model that eliminates reliance on manual coordination Partner with external providers to implement ordering platforms and tools Ensure the system is simple, fast, and aligned with how operators work 2. Launch and Scale the GPO Strategy Define and execute a phased rollout of KOA’s Group Purchasing Organization Prioritize high-frequency, high-impact categories to drive early adoption Build a vendor ecosystem that supports consistency, quality, and pricing advantages Establish standards and governance for vendor participation Continuously improve the experience based on operator input and usage data Align procurement programs with system goals around quality and guest experience 3. Lead Vendor Strategy and Management Identify and onboard vendors that align with KOA’s system-wide needs Negotiate pricing, service levels, and agreements that support scale and consistency Manage vendor performance and ensure accountability to standards Leverage external partners where appropriate for sourcing and benchmarking 4. Establish Scalable Infrastructure Define processes for vendor onboarding, SKU management, and catalog structure Build reporting and visibility into purchasing behavior across OAK and franchise Identify opportunities to streamline operations and reduce costs through standardization 5. Lead Through Influence and Communication Serve as a servant leader, focused on enabling the success of operators and franchisees Communicate strategy, programs, and changes in a clear, simple, and actionable way Build trust with franchisees by listening, responding, and incorporating field insights Influence behavior and drive adoption without relying on mandates or enforcement 6. Integrate Corporate Sponsorships with Vendor Strategy Partner with Marketing to evaluate, onboard, and manage corporate sponsorships Ensure alignment between sponsorship agreements and KOA’s broader strategy Identify opportunities to integrate sponsors into the procurement ecosystem Balance revenue opportunities from sponsorships with operational value Ensure sponsored vendors meet quality, service, and pricing expectations   Note that this job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.   Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field 7+ years of experience in operations, procurement, supply chain, or related function Experience building or improving systems, processes, or platforms Strong ability to simplify complex problems and drive practical solutions Proven ability to influence across teams and stakeholders Strong communication and organizational skills   Preferred Education and Experience: Experience in multi-unit, franchise, or hospitality environments Exposure to procurement platforms, marketplaces, or supply chain systems Experience working across both corporate and field operations   Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboard, including lifting and carrying a laptop and other small items up to 20 pounds. Prolonged exposure to computer screens and artificial lighting. Use of repetitive motion, standing, bending, sitting, lifting, and walking short distances. May be expected to drive a vehicle to KOA locations, other locations as directed, and conferences which requires close and distance vision, sitting, seeing and reading signs, traffic signals, other vehicles, etc. Travel occurs in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold. Frequent in person interaction with KOA employees in various settings, where noise level is typically low to moderate, including office spaces. Will experience occasional interruptions and shifting priorities.