Location: Salem, OR
Workplace type: On Site
Help shape the future of Kerr' by Ingredion's agricultural supply. This role is built for a procurement leader who thrives at the intersection of agriculture, strategy, and business impact. You will have the opportunity to influence how Kerr by Ingredion partners with growers and suppliers, navigate volatile markets, and turn insight into action-ensuring the right materials are available, responsibly sourced, and competitively secured. If you enjoy owning decisions, building long-term supplier partnerships, and translating complexity into measurable value, this role puts you squarely in the driver's seat.
As a
Procurement Category Manager, will be responsible for the end-to-end category management of assigned agricultural raw material & ingredient categories supporting Kerr by Ingredion. This role owns category strategy development, sourcing execution, supplier relationship management, cost and risk optimization, and value delivery, in alignment with Ingredion's Global Procurement framework.
The role operates as the single-point owner for assigned categories, partnering cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Regulatory, R&D, Planning, and Finance to ensure supply continuity, competitive total cost of ownership, and adherence to Ingredion's sustainability, quality, and compliance standards.
This role will report to the Vice President Supply Chain & Strategic Sourcing.
What you will do: - Own and execute category strategies (full or light) aligned with Ingredion's Global Procurement Strategic Handbook, including 2 to 3-year outlooks and sourcing roadmaps based on market and supplier insights.
- Lead strategic sourcing and commercial activities for fruit and vegetable raw material categories, including bid events, negotiations, contracting, and award recommendations.
- Drive value creation initiatives focused on cost optimization, supply continuity, risk mitigation, and sustainability improvement across the category.
- Serve as the primary relationship owner for strategic suppliers, building long-term partnerships and leading performance reviews across quality, service, cost, compliance, and risk.
- Proactively manage supply risk, quality, and sustainability, partnering with Quality, Regulatory, EHSS, and R&D teams to ensure compliance, audit readiness, and supplier qualification.
- Act as the procurement category lead for Kerr by Ingredion, translating cross-functional business needs into sourcing strategies that support operations, planning, and customer commitments.
- Track, govern, and report category performance, including savings, cost avoidance, risk mitigation, service improvements, and continuous improvement of procurement processes and tools.
What you will bring: - Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Management, Agricultural Science, or a related technical discipline.
- Proven track record in sourcing, procurement, category management, or agricultural supply chain roles.
- Experience working with agricultural commodities, growers, or food and ingredient supply chains.
- Working knowledge of SAP or similar ERP systems, with the ability to support procurement execution.
- Willingness and ability to travel for supplier, grower, and field visits; experience supporting sustainability, certification, or responsible sourcing initiatives preferred.
Who you are: - Strategic and commercial acumen, with a category ownership mindset and the ability to assess risk, make sound decisions, and drive value through negotiation.
- Strong supplier relationship and performance management skills, including the ability to influence outcomes and manage accountability.
- Data-driven problem-solving capability, using quantitative and qualitative insights to support sourcing and business decisions.
- Effective cross-functional collaboration and influence, partnering with internal stakeholders across Operations, Quality, Finance, and Commercial teams.
- Clear and persuasive communication skills, with the ability to interpret and apply business, technical, and regulatory information while engaging credibly with suppliers and stakeholders.
Why Join Ingredion? Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:
- Total Rewards Package - Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success.
- Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support - Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
- Career Growth - Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement.
- Employee Recognition Program - A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally.
- Employee Discount Program - Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel.
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Relocation Available:Yes, Within Country
Pay Range:$102,100.00-$136,166.67 Annual
This pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).
Incentive Compensation:As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.
Benefits:Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with an competitive company match.
