Category Manager of Elements and Gases

Perdue Farms; Salisbury (MD); On-site; USD 101,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Perdue Farms in Salisbury, MD, is seeking a Category Manager of Elements and Gases to drive procurement strategies within the category. You will execute sourcing strategies, analyze spend, lead negotiations, manage supplier relationships, and collaborate across functions to maximize value.

The role requires a Bachelor's in related field and 5+ years in procurement; experience with bulk industrial gases is valued. Competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management.
• Experience with bulk industrial gases is valued.
• Experience with supplier negotiations, RFx events, and contract execution.
• Strong collaboration with operations, finance, and legal teams.
• Proficiency in ERP and sourcing tools (e.g., SAP Ariba).

Responsibilities

• Develop category strategies and savings plans.
• Conduct spend analysis, market research, and supplier benchmarking.
• Track supplier performance using defined KPIs and 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 elevate 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.
• Execute sourcing events and apply basic negotiation strategies.
• Handle day-to-day supplier interactions and performance tracking.
• Conduct spend reviews and market research to support decisions.
• Understand commercial terms and compliance basics.
• Work with operations, finance, and legal teams.
• Follow workflows and identify improvement opportunities.
• Share updates clearly with stakeholders and suppliers.

Skills

Category management

Negotiation

Spend analysis

Supplier relationship mgmt

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

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

Tools

SAP Ariba

ERP systems

Job description

Category Manager of Elements and Gases

Salisbury, Maryland, United States Apply Job ID 81682 Job Category Supply Chain & Logistics

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

Make a meaningful impact on procurement performance and business success as a Category Manager. In this role, you will execute sourcing strategies, optimize costs, and manage supplier relationships within an assigned category to deliver value across the organization. You will partner closely with the Senior Category Manager, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to ensure business needs are met while strengthening supplier performance and driving continuous improvement across procurement processes. This role is ideal for a strategic, results-driven procurement professional who excels at building strong relationships, identifying cost‑saving opportunities, and delivering results in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

The salary range for this position is $101,000 - $151,000 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.

• Support development and execution of category strategies and savings plans.
• Conduct spend analysis, market research, and supplier benchmarking.
• Track supplier performance using defined KPIs and escalates 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 elevate 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.
• Execute sourcing events and apply basic negotiation strategies.
• Handle day-to-day supplier interactions and performance tracking.
• Conduct spend reviews and market research to support decisions.
• Understand commercial terms and compliance basics.
• Work with operations, finance, and legal teams.
• Follow workflows and identify improvement opportunities.
• Share updates clearly with stakeholders and suppliers.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management.
• Experience with bulk industrial gases is valued.
• Experience with supplier negotiations, RFx events, and contract execution.
• Strong collaboration with operations, finance, and legal teams.
• Proficiency in ERP and sourcing tools (e.g., SAP Ariba).

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Normal climate-controlled office spaces.
• Able to operate a motor vehicle and travel to and from customer locations.
• Able to use standard office equipment, including telephones, computers, copiers, etc.
• Able to move freely about plant and customer facilities.
• May be exposed to external weather conditions, including rain, snow, extreme temperatures (0 - 100 degrees Fahrenheit), humidity (0 - 100%), and noise (50 dB to 100 dB).
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.

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.

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