SummaryDrive sourcing excellence and supplier performance within Perdue's Procurement organization. As a Category Manager of Chemicals, you will execute category strategies, manage supplier relationships, and support sourcing initiatives that drive cost optimization and business results. Partnering closely with cross-functional teams, you will help ensure procurement strategies align with operational needs while contributing to continuous improvement, supplier performance, and overall procurement effectiveness. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented procurement professional who enjoys building relationships, solving business challenges, and delivering value in a collaborative environment.
The salary range for this position is $89,000 - $133,000 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, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.
Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities- Support development and execution of category strategies and savings plans.
- Conduct spend analysis, market research, and supplier benchmarking.
- Track supplier performance using defined KPIs and escalate issues as needed.
- Lead sourcing events (RFPs, negotiations) and supplier evaluations.
- Apply negotiation strategies to secure favorable terms and outcomes.
- Ensure smooth contract handoff and alignment with operational teams.
- Collaborate with Procurement Center of Excellence to apply standardized sourcing tools.
- Assist in managing contract terms, renewals, and compliance checkpoints.
- Serve as the day-to-day liaison for suppliers in the category.
- Monitor performance metrics and support corrective actions when needed.
- Identify and escalate supplier risks to senior leadership.
- Ensure adherence to procurement policies and workflows.
- Coordinate with purchasing teams on urgent or non-standard spend.
- Recommend process improvements and contribute to best practice adoption.
- Share insights and support peer development.
- Actively participate in knowledge sharing across the procurement function.
- Execute sourcing events and apply basic negotiation strategies.
- Handle day-to-day supplier interactions and performance tracking.
- Conduct spend reviews and market research to support decisions.
- Understand commercial terms and compliance basics.
- Work with operations, finance, and legal teams.
- Follow workflows and identify improvement opportunities.
- Share updates clearly with stakeholders and suppliers.
Minimum Education and Experience- Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management.
- Experience with supplier negotiations, RFx events, and contract execution.
- Strong collaboration skills with operations, finance, and legal teams.
- Proficiency in ERP and sourcing tools (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.
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