DIRECTOR OF CATEGORY - COST CONTROL - HYBRID, CHARLOTTE
Who is Foodbuy?
We are the industry leader in procurement and supply chain solutions. We are the subsidiary to the 6th largest company in the world (Compass Group PLC), yet Foodbuy has the feel of a small entrepreneurial Company. We pride ourselves on our ability to source and provide a variety of products and services that help our customers more easily, and cost effectively, run their businesses. We work with clients in the Hospitality, Restaurant, Healthcare, Education, Entertainment, and Gaming industries, and of course we support Compass Group-- which is the world’s largest contract food and support services provider.
Why Foodbuy?
We care about our associates, our clients, and our community. We think big, encourage innovation and debate, and seek out game changers. Our benefits and PTO offerings are strong. Our compensation packages are competitive. And we are constantly growing, and we want our associates’ careers to grow along with us. We have an open and modern work environment, believe in flexibility, and promote a collaborative open door environment.
Additionally, we follow a value system called People FIRST, which stands for Flexibility, Inclusion, Results, Sustainability and Transparency. People FIRST is the foundation for everything we do at Foodbuy. It is how we connect and interact with our clients, business partners and fellow associates.
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Director of Cost Control to lead enterprise-wide cost optimization and financial performance initiatives. This strategic leadership role is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and executing cost-saving opportunities across procurement, operations, and supply chain functions.
The Director will partner with senior leaders to improve financial performance, enhance cost transparency, strengthen supplier relationships, and implement scalable processes and controls across a complex, multi-site organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute comprehensive cost control and category management strategies aligned to enterprise financial goals
- Identify, prioritize, and implement high-impact savings and income-generation opportunities across categories such as procurement, labor, operations, and supply chain
- Analyze cost drivers and performance trends to deliver actionable insights
- Establish financial benchmarks, cost KPIs, and dashboards to track savings and efficiency gains
- Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of cost savings initiatives
- Partner with sourcing and procurement teams to strengthen cost discipline across contracts and supplier agreements
- Evaluate pricing structures and negotiate improved terms where applicable
- Develop and maintain governance frameworks, policies, controls, and approval processes that promote financial discipline and organizational compliance
- Ensure compliance with financial and operational guidelines
- Mitigate financial risk through proactive monitoring and governance
- Translate complex financial data into clear recommendations for senior leadership
- Provide visibility into cost performance and strategic opportunities
- Work closely with Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, Culinary, and Business Leaders to align cost initiatives with business objectives
- Support operational teams in adopting cost-conscious decision-making practices
- Challenge legacy processes and identify efficiencies at scale
- Introduce best practices, tools, and automation to improve cost management capabilities
- Lead and develop a high-performing team of category managers and analysts, fostering accountability, professional growth, and continuous improvement
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field required
- MBA, CPA, or similar advanced credential preferred
- 8–12+ years of experience in cost management, financial planning, procurement, or consulting
- Proven track record of delivering measurable cost savings in a complex organization
- Strong financial acumen, including cost modeling, budgeting, and analytics
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders and driving enterprise initiatives
- Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills; experience with financial systems and data visualization tools is a plus
- Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
Preferred Experience
- Background in food service, hospitality, supply chain, or large-scale multi-unit environments
- Experience working in matrixed organizations with cross-functional influence
- Exposure to vendor negotiations, pricing strategy, and contract management
- Expertise or work history in Fleet or Travel categories
Apply to Foodbuy today!
Foodbuy is a member of Compass Group USA
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
Associates at Foodbuy are offered many fantastic benefits.
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance/ AD
- Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- Personal Leave
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_CorpAndFoodbuy.pdf
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Foodbuy maintains a drug-free workplace.
Req ID: 1545255
Foodbuy
Erin Gregory
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