Category Buyer- Regional Category HR&A

Perfetti Van Melle; Erlanger (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO package

13 paid holidays

401k with Company Match up to 8%

Annual bonus potential

Maternity & Paternity leave

Tuition‑Free College Program

Candy stipend

Sam's/Costco membership reimbursement

Job summary

Perfetti Van Melle USA is seeking a seasoned Category Buyer for Regional HR&A. The role focuses on executing RFx events, managing supplier communications, and leading negotiations for regional indirects.

You will prepare RFQ templates, evaluate bids, and recommend supplier selections with clear TCO. Responsibilities include contract implementation with KPIs and on-boarding in ERP systems.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of professional experience in strategic sourcing or category analytics.
• Hands-on experience executing RFx processes and supplier negotiations.
• Experience with contract implementation and supplier performance monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Execute RFx events (RFQ/RFP) for the assigned regional category within the strategy.
• Prepare RFQ templates, manage supplier communications, and conduct bid evaluations.
• Support or lead commercial negotiations with regional suppliers.
• Prepare supplier selection recommendations with clear TCO justification.
• Implement contracts with KPIs, penalties, and delivery terms.
• Manage supplier onboarding in procurement and ERP systems.
• Track supplier performance, flag deviations, and escalate as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date contract documentation in the CLM system.
• Coordinate with Operational Managers and Buyers on call-offs and PO execution.
• Resolve invoice and delivery disputes related to the category.
• Support OCs in using approved contracts and compliant purchasing channels.
• Track and report savings delivery for sourcing initiatives to Regional team.
• Maintain supplier and spend data accuracy in procurement systems.
• Contribute to category market intelligence and cost benchmarking efforts.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

RFx execution

Negotiation

Supplier management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SAP ARIBA

Job description

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Category Buyer- Regional Category HR&A

Date: Oct 22, 2026

Location: Erlanger, KY, US, 41018

OVERVIEW

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Execute RFx events (RFQ/RFP) for the assigned regional category within the strategy set by the RCM-Regional
• Prepare RFQ templates, manage supplier communications, and conduct bid evaluations and scoring
• Support or lead commercial negotiations with suppliers at regional or OC level
• Prepare supplier selection recommendations with clear TCO justification
• Implement contracts, ensuring KPIs, penalty/incentive clauses, and delivery terms are correctly captured
• Manage supplier onboarding in procurement and ERP systems
• Track supplier performance, flag deviations, and escal… to RCM-Regional
• Maintain up-to-date contract documentation in the CLM system
• Coordinate with Operational Managers and Buyers on contract call‑offs and purchase order execution
• Resolve invoice and delivery disputes related to the category
• Support OCs in using approved contracts and compliant purchasing channels
• Track and report savings delivery for sourcing initiatives to the RCM‑Regional
• Maintain supplier and spend data accuracy in procurement systems
• Contribute to category market intelligence and cost benchmarking efforts

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, or related field
• CIPS foundation or equivalent preferred
• Hands‑on experience executing RFx processes and managing supplier negotiations
• Experience with contract implementation and supplier performance monitoring
• Exposure to the specific regional Indirects category preferred
• Working knowledge of SAP ARIBA or equivalent e‑procurement platforms
• Ability to travel globally up to 10%.

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 People and 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.