Senior Category Manager of MRO Procurement

Perdue Farms is 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

Lead the strategy behind the critical parts and services that power our operations and future growth. As the Senior Category Manager of MRO Procurement, you will shape and execute sourcing strategies for maintenance, repair, and operations while building strong supplier partnerships and driving performance across the category. You will lead and develop Category Managers, influence cross functional stakeholders, and ensure MRO initiatives drive cost savings, supply continuity, and quality improvement. This role is ideal for a strategic, results driven leader who thrives on complex sourcing initiatives, enjoys building high performing teams, and is passionate about delivering measurable business impact through procurement excellence.

The salary range for this position is $126,000 - $190,000 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

• Lead development and execution of long-term category sourcing strategies and total contribution plans including cost productivity and cash release.
• Perform advanced spend analysis, market research, and competitive benchmarking.
• Drive supplier performance improvement through KPIs and strategic reviews.
• Strategic Sourcing Execution.
• Lead complex sourcing events (RFIs, RFPs, negotiations, auctions).
• Develop and implement innovative sourcing solutions to meet evolving needs.
• Ensure seamless contract handoff and integration with operational teams.
• 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 strategic suppliers.
• Monitor and resolve performance issues, 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.
• Lead Category Managers and foster a high-performing team culture.
• Lead knowledge sharing and capability building across procurement.
• Support talent development and succession planning within the function.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years’ experience in sourcing and contracting, procurement, or category management, including 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in supplier negotiations, RFx management, and contract execution.
• Project management experience and ability to project manage multiple complex projects.
• Experience in maintenance, repair, and operations categories.
• Strong analytical, planning, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate with operations, finance, and legal teams.
• Advanced Proficiency in ERP and sourcing tools (e.g., SAP Ariba).
• The role also requires travel up to 10-20% of the time, which may include visits to other company facilities, customer or vendor locations, training sessions, meetings, and industry events.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Position may require occasional travel (10-20%).
• 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.