Senior Category Manager of Capital 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

Drive value and performance across the capital investments that keep our operations running and growing. As a Senior Category Manager of Capital Procurement, you will lead sourcing strategies for equipment, machinery, and construction services while building strong supplier partnerships and delivering high impact contracting solutions. You will collaborate closely with cross functional partners to align sourcing approaches with business needs, guide stakeholders on procurement best practices, and ensure contracts are executed with clarity and value in mind. This role is ideal for a strategic, detail-oriented professional who enjoys managing complex sourcing initiatives, strengthening supplier performance, and contributing to continuous improvement across procurement processes.

This position is located onsite at our corporate office in Salisbury, MD (relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates) or structured as a remote role that requires travel up to 25% of the time.

The salary range for this position is $128,000 - $192,000 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

• Create and implement category sourcing strategies focusing on total value creation including cost optimization and cash release.
• Conduct spending analysis, market research, and supplier benchmarking.
• Develop supplier by creating fit for purpose strategic relationships and ensure.
• Supplier performance defined by KPIs. 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 CoE 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.

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.
• Strong expert experience in RFx process, proposal evaluation, deal and contract negotiation.
• Project management experience and ability to project manage multiple complex projects.
• Experience in Capital Programs, Engineering, Construction, or Design-Build.
• Strong analytical, planning, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate with operations, finance, and legal teams.
• Proficiency in ERP and sourcing tools (e.g., SAP Ariba).

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.

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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.