They say you are the company you keep - and at Cracker Barrel, we take that seriously. At the Store Support Center, we’re in the business of serving those who serve our guests. Whether you’re designing solutions, telling our story, or setting our teams up for success, your work makes a difference every single day. Here, the work means more because we take pride in doing it together. So, join our team and find your place, because here...we’re all in good company.
What You'll Do - You'll Make the Moment
- Lead the development and execution of sourcing strategies for assigned categories, defining the optimal supplier base, agreement structure, pricing methodologies, and key commercial terms to ensure product availability at optimal cost and quality.
- Own supplier relationship management and performance, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations and driving continuous improvement in cost, quality, service and supply continuity
- Negotiate, structure and execute supply agreements, including analysis of proposals and development of contract terms that align with company objectives and risk tolerance.
- Monitor and proactively communicate shifts in supplier capacity, market conditions, and distribution capabilities to ensure uninterrupted supply and support operational excellence.
- Continuously assess market trends and the supplier landscape to proactively identify, evaluate, and develop strategic sources of supply for both new and existing products.
- Serve as the primary internal and external point of contact and subject matter expert for assigned categories, providing strategic guidance on commodities, products, and supplier dynamics.
- Analyze commodity markets and develop hedging strategies, delivering data-driven recommendations to mitigate risk and optimize cost.
- Partner cross-functionally to support company initiatives, including product development, testing, LTO’s and core menu execution, ensuring alignment between sourcing strategies and business objectives.
- Influence and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders, including Demand Planning, Culinary, Quality Assurance, Menu Strategy, and Finance, to resolve issues, align priorities, and identify value-driving opportunities.
- Forecast pricing trends and cost drivers for assigned categories to support financial planning, budgeting, and long-term cost management strategies.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance supply chain efficiency, cost effectiveness, and supplier performance.
- Some travel may be required.
Experience and Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field.
- 7–10+ years of progressive experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain, including commodity buying, category strategy ownership, and contract negotiation.
- Experience analyzing commodity markets and cost drivers to inform sourcing strategies; exposure to hedging strategies preferred.
- Experience in the restaurant industry or related environment preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation, supplier management, and cost management strategies.
- Experience analyzing market trends and commodity dynamics to inform sourcing decisions; exposure to commodity hedging strategies preferred.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
- Strong ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive alignment without direct authority.
Certifications
- CPSM, CSCP, or similar supply chain/procurement certifications (or equivalent experience) preferred.
Knowledge and Skills
- Strong understanding of supply chain economics, procurement practices, and category management principles.
- Demonstrated expertise in supplier management, contract negotiation, and commercial terms development.
- Ability to analyze market trends, commodity dynamics, and cost drivers to inform sourcing strategies and business decisions.
- Experience developing and executing sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, service, and risk.
- Strong financial and analytical acumen, with the ability to forecast pricing trends and evaluate cost impacts.
- Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive alignment without direct authority.
- Proven ability to manage through ambiguity, prioritize competing priorities, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex information and recommendations.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships internally and externally.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and follow-through skills.
Environment and Working Conditions
- Primarily office-based, with occasional travel to vendor sites, distribution centers, and restaurant locations.
- Requires the ability to sit at a desk and utilize a computer for extended periods of time.
Focus on You
We're all about making sure you're taken care of too. Here's what's in it for you:
Good Work Deserves Good Pay: Competitive Annual Salary | Annual Bonus Opportunities
Support That Goes Beyond the Clock: Medical, Rx, Dental and Vision Benefits on Day 1| Life Insurance and Disability Coverage | Paid Vacation/Employee Assistance Program
Grow and Thrive Your Way: Business Resource Groups | Tuition Reimbursement | Professional Development
Culture of Belonging: Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive | Recognition programs and employee events that bring us together
Invest in Your Future: 401k Plan with Company Matching Contributions at 90 days | Employee Stock Purchase Program
More Perks, Just Because: 35% Discount on Cracker Barrel Food and Retail items | Exclusive Biscuit Perks like discounts on home, travel, cell phones, and more!
A Little About Us
Since 1969, Cracker Barrel has been a place to gather around delicious food, abundant servings, unexpected finds, and a warm welcome. Over time, it's become even more - somewhere folks can reconnect and feel at home. With more than 70,000 team members nationwide, we take pride in our roots -- always serving up more than a meal.
See for yourself. Apply now.
Cracker Barrel is an equal opportunity employer.
Qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or any other class expressly protected by law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field
- 7-10+ years of progressive experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain
- Experience with commodity buying, category strategy ownership, and contract negotiation
- Experience analyzing commodity markets and cost drivers
- Experience in contract negotiation, supplier management, and cost management strategies
- Experience analyzing market trends and commodity dynamics for sourcing decisions
- Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
- Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive alignment without direct authority
- Experience developing and executing sourcing strategies balancing cost, quality, service, and risk
- Strong financial and analytical skills, including pricing trend forecasting and cost impact evaluation
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills
- Exposure to hedging strategies
- Experience in the restaurant industry or a related environment
- CPSM, CSCP, or similar supply chain/procurement certification
Cracker Barrel Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Cracker Barrel and has not been reviewed or approved by Cracker Barrel.
-
Strong & Reliable Incentives — Tip-driven roles can see strong earning upside, with servers keeping tips, receiving them daily, and describing “uncapped” potential on high‑traffic shifts. Feedback suggests busy weekends and favorable sections can push take‑home well above base pay.
-
Healthcare Strength — Full‑time staff are offered multiple medical plan options, dental (including adult orthodontia), vision, and mental‑health resources through the EAP, with some roles highlighting medical eligibility as early as day one. Wellness platforms and chronic‑condition support tied to enrollment add breadth to the coverage.
-
Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Employees often point to meaningful everyday savings via a 35% restaurant/retail discount and about 50% off shift meals, plus access to perks like the Calm app, gym discounts, and backup family care. Earned‑wage access and pay‑card options provide helpful cash‑flow flexibility.
Cracker Barrel Insights
What We Do
Cracker Barrel is a vibrant business grounded in a clear belief - the goodness of country hospitality. And that's why we're always serving up more than a meal. We show you country-style appreciation, so you can appreciate the moment and know that you're all in good company.
