Category Buyer- Global Category POSM

Perfetti Van Melle; Erlanger (KY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO and holidays

401k with company match

Annual bonus potential

Maternity & paternity leave

Membership reimbursement

Tuition assistance

Candy allotments

Job summary

Perfetti Van Melle in Erlanger, KY is seeking a Category Buyer for the Global Category POSM. You will execute RFx events, manage supplier responses, and drive cost savings through structured procurement processes.

Responsibilities include leading negotiations, supporting contract implementation, and onboarding in ERP systems. You will coordinate with global teams and travel up to 10% as needed.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in strategic sourcing or category analytics.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, or related field.
• Experience with RFx processes and supplier negotiations.
• Experience with contract implementation and supplier onboarding in structured procurement.
• Experience in multi-country procurement environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Execute RFx events (RFQ/RFP/RFI) for the assigned category.
• Prepare RFQ templates, manage supplier responses, and conduct bid evaluations.
• Develop negotiation packs and lead or support commercial negotiations with suppliers.
• Finalize supplier selection in line with TCO evaluation criteria and global strategy.
• Lead contract implementation, including scope, KPIs, penalties, and incentives.
• Manage supplier onboarding in ERP/procurement systems.
• Monitor contract compliance and escalate deviations.
• Coordinate with Operational Managers and Buyers to ensure P2P execution.
• Track savings delivery against sourcing initiatives and report to the RCM-Global.
• Support spend analysis and market intelligence activities for the category.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category analytics

Negotiation

RFx processes

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, or related field

Tools

SAP Ariba

Job description

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Category Buyer- Global Category POSM

Date: Oct 22, 2026

Location: Erlanger, KY, US, 41018

OVERVIEW

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Execute RFx events (RFQ/RFP/RFI) for the assigned category within the global sourcing framework defined by the GCM and RCM-Global.
• Prepare RFQ templates, manage supplier responses, and conduct bid evaluations.
• Develop negotiation packs and lead or support commercial negotiations with suppliers.
• Finalize supplier selection recommendations in line with TCO evaluation criteria and global strategy.
• Lead contract implementation activities, including finalization of scope, KPIs, penalties, and incentives.
• Manage supplier onboarding in ERP/procurement systems.
• Monitor contract compliance and escalates deviations to the RCM-Global.
• Support periodic supplier performance reviews and maintain performance scorecards.
• Coordinate with Operational Managers and Buyers to ensure smooth contract call-off and P2P execution.
• Resolve purchase order and invoice queries related to the category.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date contract records in the CLM system.
• Track savings delivery against sourcing initiatives and report to the RCM-Global.
• Support spend analysis and market intelligence activities for the category.
• Maintain category data and supplier records in relevant procurement platforms

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• 5–7 years of professional experience, with at least 3 years in a strategic sourcing, or category analytics role.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience executing RFx processes (RFQ/RFP/RFI) and managing supplier negotiations.
• Experience with contract implementation and supplier onboarding in a structured procurement environment.
• Exposure to the specific regional Indirects category preferred.
• Working knowledge of SAP ARIBA or equivalent e-sourcing and P2P platforms.
• Experience working within a multi-OC or multi-country procurement environment is advantageous.
• Ability to travel globally up to 10%.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Perfetti Van Melle, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to the sweet success of our candy-loving community. Additionally, we have a core value of Care For Our Peopleand we are proud to offer benefit programs that support our team members' goals and well-being including:

• PTO package including vacation, wellness, and pay it forward time off
• 13 paid holidays
• 401k with Company Match up to 8%, ranking in the top 1% of the country
• Annual Bonus potential and merit-based increases
• 20 weeks Maternity & 12 weeks Paternity leave options
• Sam's Club or Costco annual membership reimbursement
• Tuition-Free College Program or Free Continued Education (BA, Masters, Etc.)
• Modest monthly candy allotments (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos)

2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 AND 2025 NKY Magazine Best Workplace in Northern Kentucky

Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity/non-discrimination employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.