Senior Category Manager of Ingredients Procurement

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

As a Senior Category Manager, Ingredients Procurement, you will play a strategic role in driving sourcing excellence and supplier performance across key ingredient categories that support our operations. In this highly collaborative position, you’ll lead category strategies, manage supplier partnerships, and oversee sourcing initiatives that enhance efficiency, quality, and long-term business value. Partnering closely with cross-functional teams, you’ll help align procurement strategies with company goals while identifying opportunities for innovation, cost optimization, and continuous improvement. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on procurement operations, strengthen supplier relationships, and help shape the future of ingredient solutions across the organization.

The salary range for this position is $128,000.00 - $192,000.00 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).

In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vison, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of long-term ingredient category strategies and savings plans.

• Perform advanced spend analysis, market research, and competitive benchmarking.

• Drive supplier performance improvement through KPIs and strategic business reviews.

• Lead complex sourcing events (RFIs, RFPs, negotiations, auctions) for his/her ingredient categories.

• Develop and implement innovative sourcing solutions to meet evolving needs.

• Negotiate contracts with ingredient suppliers that create significant value for Perdue.

• Partner cross-functionally across Perdue, especially with R&D food scientists and Marketing, on the ingredient category strategies, innovation, optimization, and key initiatives.

• Partner with Procurement CoE to standardize sourcing templates and tools.

• Ensure contracts meet financial, operational, and compliance standards.

• Track contract milestones, expirations, and renewal timelines.

• Act as the primary contact for ingredient suppliers.

• Monitor and resolve supplier performance issues and lead supplier development efforts.

• Proactively identify and mitigate supply risks.

• Ensure adherence to procurement policies and workflows.

• Lead high-profile or complex sourcing projects.

• Champion process improvements and best practice adoption.

• Lead knowledge-sharing and capability building across procurement.

• Support talent development within the function.

Minimum Education and Experience

• 10+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management, with at least 3-5 years in ingredient procurement.

• Proven experience in supplier negotiations, RFx management, and contract execution.

• Strong cross-functional collaboration with operations, finance, and legal.

• Advanced proficiency in ERP and sourcing platforms (e.g., SAP Ariba).

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Position is mostly sedentary but may require occasional moving to other offices or buildings.

• May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.

• May need to access files, supplies and equipment.

• Work activity is in an office, open-partitioned, cubicle environment.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.