Associate Manager Category - Direct/Packaging

Tyson Foods, Inc.; Springdale (AR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401(k) plans

Health, dental, vision benefits

Job summary

The Associate Manager Category at Tyson Foods, Inc. leads sourcing initiatives for plant services, driving value and ensuring supplier performance aligns with Tyson's quality standards.

You will develop strategies, manage supplier relationships, and leverage data from Power BI and Excel to support cost-saving decisions. Based in Springdale, AR, this role collaborates with cross-functional teams to implement RFx projects, risk assessments, and supplier strategies while mentoring Category Managers

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 4+ years of procurement/sourcing experience.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Proficiency in Power BI, Excel, and RFx platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive cost-saving initiatives through supplier performance and scorecards.
• Manage supplier relationships and maintain clear communications of Tyson policies and expectations.
• Serve as primary contact for vendor management and plant service issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize sourcing strategies across Tyson plants.
• Analyze Power BI dashboards and Excel reports to support sourcing decisions.
• Lead sourcing projects, including RFps, RFx, to achieve category savings.
• Develop communications about program initiatives, updates, and changes to facilities.

Skills

Strategic planning

Project management

Negotiation

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Power BI

Excel

Contract Management

RFx platforms

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Purpose/Summary

The Associate Manager Category is responsible for sourcing services that meet Tyson's high standards of quality and reliability, while maximizing value for Tyson plants. This role is essential in supporting our plant operations by managing relationships with service providers, ensuring they deliver exceptional service that meets the plants' specific operational needs, provides maximum value, and remain market competitive.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Drive cost-saving initiatives by continuously engaging with suppliers and assessing their performance through tools such as scorecards.
• Manage supplier relationships, maintaining clear and regular communication regarding Tyson's policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
• Provide exceptional customer support to Tyson plants, acting as a primary point of contact and escalation for vendor management / service issues.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to develop sourcing strategies that maximize value across Tyson's plant environment.
• Analyze Power BI dashboards, Excel reports, and other data sources to support sourcing decisions and identify areas for improvement.
• Lead and participate in sourcing projects, including RFPs, RFx aimed at achieving cost savings for the category.
• Assist in building communications regarding program initiatives, updates, consolidations, and changes to Tyson Foods facilities.
• Support the development and maintenance of Category Management processes, including risk management assessments, business continuity plans, market driver assessments, price mitigation plans, and supplier strategies.
• Provide support to Category Managers as needed, particularly in the plant services vertical.
• Perform additional duties as required by the department.

Education / Certifications

Bachelor's Degree is preferred.

Experience

4+ years of relevant experience, with Procurement / Sourcing experience being a plus.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required.
• Strong skills in creating and maintaining advanced spreadsheets and databases, particularly in Excel.
• Experience analyzing data through Power BI dashboards and other business intelligence tools.
• Experience working in Contract Management and Rfx platforms desired.

Communication Skills

• Clear and Concise Written Communication: The ability to effectively document strategies, supplier performance reports, procurement updates, and process changes.
• Verbal Communication: Strong verbal skills are needed for effective interactions with internal teams, suppliers, and stakeholders. This includes articulating ideas, providing updates, negotiating with suppliers, and presenting information to cross-functional teams.
• Active Listening: The ability to listen carefully to suppliers, team members, and stakeholders to fully understand their needs and concerns. This helps in making informed decisions and resolving issues effectively.
• Presentation Skills: The ability to present complex data, sourcing strategies, and performance reports in a way that is understandable and persuasive to senior management or cross-functional teams.

Special Skills

• Strong strategic planning, project management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exemplary customer service skills with a strong ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, manage tasks autonomously, and deliver results independently. Must be Equally skilled in collaborating within a team environment, working effectively with cross-functional groups to achieve shared goals and support organizational objectives.
• Demonstrated leadership, negotiation, influencing, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a solid business acumen.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple tasks with ease.
• Preferred experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders.

Travel

Occasional travel (3-5 domestic trips per year).

Location

Springdale, AR

AI Usage

All professional team members are expected to demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs. Individual Contributors should demonstrate the ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI-enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI. People Leaders should demonstrate the ability to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team performance through AI, and ensure accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI-supported outcomes.

Relocation Assistance

Eligible: No

Work Shift

1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

Background Checks

Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.

Physical Requirements

The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Equal Opportunity

Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• 401(k) plans
• Affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits
• and more

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Unsolicited Assistance

Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.