Procurement Category Lead

Iowa Ag; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vylor is seeking a strategic Procurement Category Lead for Seed Applied Technology (SAT) to drive global sourcing, supplier management, forecasting, and supply strategy execution. You will lead negotiations, optimize supply and costs, and partner with Global Seed Operations to manage risk and ensure readiness for launches.

You will influence senior leaders across Supply Planning, Regulatory, Finance, and Commercial teams, shaping supplier strategies in a fast‑paced, high‑tech agricultural

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven experience leading contract negotiations with suppliers.
• Experience in seed treatment or seed applied technology.
• Experience managing supplier relationships in a global environment.
• Strong communication, influence and stakeholder management skills.
• Financial acumen with forecasting and COGS drivers.

Responsibilities

• Maintain global SAT supplier relationships, ensuring reliable supply and competitive pricing.
• Lead global procurement activities for the SAT category including SRM and contract administration.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to support growth, supply continuity and cost competitiveness.
• Lead contract negotiations across North America and global regions to maximize value.
• Serve as primary procurement interface with Global Seed Operations for planning and risk management.
• Lead annual global forecasting balancing supply and demand with supplier capabilities.

Skills

Contract negotiations

Supplier relationship management

Forecasting

Cross-functional leadership

Cost modeling

Financial acumen

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain / related field

Job description

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of Agriculture?At Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting-edge biotech, and next-generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer®, Brevant®, and Hoegemeyer®, delivering performance farmers rely on.?Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science.Who are we and what do we do?Corteva Agriscience intends to separate into two independent companies on or about October 1, 2026. It is Corteva’s current intention, that this position will align with the Seed Company, Vylor, at the time of the intended separation. The Vylor innovation engine will be anchored in the agriculture industry’s most elite germplasm and transformative biotech. The company will leverage its next generation scientific expertise in disciplines like gene editing and molecular breeding to further strengthen its core business while exploring opportunities to expand to new row crops – and potentially beyond. Vylor will scale these innovations using its leading routes-to-market and by significantly expanding its licensing business.We are seeking a highly motivated and strategic procurement professional to join the Vylor Strategic Sourcing and Management team. The Procurement Category Lead - Seed Applied Technology (SAT) is responsible for leading the global sourcing, supplier management, forecasting, and supply strategy execution for the SAT category. The successful candidate will serve as a key member of the SAT leadership team, ensuring reliable supply, competitive pricing, risk mitigation, and strong supplier partnerships while supporting business growth and innovation.This position requires proven success leading complex contract negotiations and managing strategic supplier relationships within a global procurement environment. Additionally, strong commercial acumen, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to influence stakeholders across global teams is desired.Primary Responsibilities - How will you help us Grow!Maintain global accountability for SAT supplier relationships, ensuring reliable supply, competitive pricing, and alignment with business objectives.Lead global procurement activities for the SAT category, including supplier relationship management, contract administration, supplier performance management, and commercial negotiations.Develop and execute sourcing strategies that support business growth, supply continuity, and cost competitiveness.Lead contract negotiations across North America and global regions to achieve business objectives and maximize value.Serve as the primary procurement interface with Global Seed Operations for supply planning, inventory optimization, and risk identification and mitigation.Lead the annual global forecasting process to balance supply and demand while accounting for supplier capabilities, production constraints, and product life cycle considerations.Manage forecasting activities across a diverse supplier network, ensuring supply reliability and effective demand balancing.Support SAT product launches by ensuring sourcing and supply readiness.Lead SAT participation in cost savings initiatives, including idea generation, development, and implementation of value creation opportunities.Participate in financial modeling and provide guidance to leadership regarding future cost positions, market trends, and sourcing strategies.Support financial forecasting activities by providing cost expectations and market intelligence for the SAT portfolio.Maintain a strong understanding of total category spend and future spending requirements.Develop deep knowledge of the global seed treatment and seed applied technology marketplace, including cost drivers, competitive dynamics, market trends, and supply risks.Communicate risks, opportunities, and strategic recommendations to leadership and key stakeholders.Collaborate closely with Supply Planning, Production Leadership, Regulatory, Commercial, Finance, and the SAT Core Team to achieve business objectives.Develop a working understanding of regulatory requirements, restrictions, and their impact on sourcing and supply strategies.Education and Experience – What you will bring to the table!Bachelor''s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Procurement, Agriculture, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field.5+ years of proven experience leading contract negotiations and commercial discussions with suppliers.Experience in seed treatment, seed applied technology, or crop protection industry, with a strong working knowledge of supply chain and procurement processes.Experience developing and managing supplier relationships in a global environment.Demonstrated ability to work effectively across multiple functions, including Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Regulatory, Commercial, and Leadership teams.Strong understanding of procurement principles, supply planning, inventory management, and risk mitigation.Financial acumen with working knowledge of forecasting, cost modeling, and cost of goods sold (COGS) drivers.Excellent communication, influence, and stakeholder management skills.Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.Preferred Competencies Experience supporting global agricultural, seed, crop protection, or seed treatment businesses.Experience leading cost savings and value creation initiatives.Exposure to global forecasting and supply planning processes.Knowledge of regulatory considerations affecting seed treatment products and technologies.Benefits – How We’ll Support You:Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skillsBe part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better placeHealth benefits for you and your family on your first day of employmentFour weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidaysExcellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and fatherFuture planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement programLearn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva BenefitsCheck out life at Vylor! https://www.linkedin.com/company/vylorgenetics/Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.Corteva announced to separate our current advanced seed and genetics business to establish a standalone company, operating as Vylor, Inc. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to legal requirements and board approval. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the separation, you would be an employee of Vylor, Inc. and your employment would be governed by Vylor, Inc. employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by Vylor, Inc. at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes.Vylor is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws. ]]>