About the Company

Founded in 2016, Foodtastic is already one of the largest restaurant companies in Canada. We have increased system sales in the last five years from less than $50mm to over $1B. Our current portfolio of 25 brands includes Milestones Grill & Bar, Second Cup Café, Pita Pit, Quesada, La Belle et La Boeuf, and Rôtisseries Benny.

We are passionate about building our franchisee partnerships and providing our guests with a memorable dining experience. Our growth would not be possible without our people's creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurship. We continue to build the team and always look for exceptional candidates to join Foodtastic.

Category Manager – On-Site (Toronto, ON)

As a Category Manager for a restaurant chain, you will be responsible for managing specific product categories across multiple chain locations to ensure the availability, quality, and profitability of menu items. You will collaborate with various stakeholders, including chefs, suppliers, operations teams, and marketing, to develop and execute strategies that drive sales, enhance customer experience, and optimize costs.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement category strategies and plans for menu items, ingredients, and supplies to achieve sales, profitability, and quality targets.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify consumer trends, preferences, and competitor activities related to the food and beverage industry.
• Collaborate with chefs and culinary teams to create and update menus, ensuring a diverse and appealing selection of dishes that align with customer preferences.
• Source and evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage relationships to ensure high-quality ingredients, competitive pricing, and timely delivery.
• Monitor and analyze sales performance, menu item profitability, and customer feedback to identify opportunities for menu optimization and improvement.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to develop and execute promotional campaigns, limited time offers, and pricing strategies to drive customer traffic and increase sales.
• Work closely with operations teams to ensure consistent product quality, standardization of recipes, and efficient inventory management across all locations.
• Conduct regular product and supplier evaluations to ensure compliance with quality standards, food safety regulations, and sustainability goals.
• Manage the product lifecycle, including new product introductions, menu changes, and discontinuations, based on market trends, customer preferences, and profitability analysis.
• Stay updated with industry trends, emerging food technologies, and regulatory changes that impact the restaurant industry.

Requirements:

• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret sales data, financial reports, and market trends to make strategic decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with chefs, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on achieving targets and driving profitability.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality standards within the restaurant industry.
• Expertise in Produce and Disposables/Packaging is an asset and would fast track the applicant.
• Knowledge of stewardship programs, plastic ban / sustainability and single use an asset.