SummaryAs a Direct Procurement Operations Manager, you will lead the day-to-day execution of sourcing, purchasing, and supplier management for direct materials, ensuring our operations have the resources needed to keep production running efficiently. You will oversee operational buyers and planners, align procurement activities with production demands, and drive execution of sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships that support quality, service, and cost objectives. Working cross-functionally with operations, planning, and suppliers, you will play a critical role in maintaining continuity of supply, optimizing inventory, and resolving challenges in a fast-paced environment. This opportunity is ideal for a collaborative, results-driven leader who thrives on building high-performing teams, strengthening supplier relationships, and delivering operational excellence.
The salary range for this position is $101,000 - $151,000 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.
This position is remote and may be performed from anywhere within the United States.
Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities- Manage a team of buyers executing direct material purchases to support production continuity.
- Escalate urgent supply issues and collaborate with planning and production teams to resolve gaps.
- Ensure adherence to supplier contracts, pricing, and service levels.
- Monitor and mitigate supply risks by tracking inventory, order status, and supplier performance.
- Partner with materials planners to align on demand forecasts and minimize disruptions.
- Serve as the point of contact for supply issues requiring procurement intervention.
- Support implementation of supplier programs and monitor service performance.
- Coordinate with suppliers on delivery schedules, lead times, and quality issues.
- Escalate quality or delivery issues and partner with Centers of Excellence and Category teams to develop corrective actions.
- Standardize purchase workflows, escalation protocols, and purchase order creation across plants.
- Partner with the Centers of Excellence and Technology Manager to support the use of procure-to-pay processes and automation tools.
- Improve visibility and control over direct procurement activity and spend compliance.
- Align with category teams to support strategy execution and supplier transitions.
- Collaborate with production, quality, and materials teams to ensure operational alignment.
- Track key metrics, including cycle time, purchase order accuracy, and fill rate, to drive improvements.
Minimum Education and Experience- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
- 5-7 years of experience in direct procurement, materials planning, or supply management.
- Experience managing tactical buyers or working in a plant-facing role.
- Familiarity with enterprise resource planning systems, inventory tracking, and direct materials procurement processes.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams in manufacturing or production environments.
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.
