Procurement Category Lead

Corteva Agriscience; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits for you and your 가족

Four weeks of paid time off plus well‑

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Corteva Agriscience seeks a Procurement Category Lead for Seed Applied Technology to drive global sourcing, supplier management, forecasting, and supply strategy execution. You will ensure reliable supply, competitive pricing, and risk mitigation while aligning with growth and innovation across regions.

The role requires leading complex negotiations and cross-functional leadership to influence stakeholders and optimize value in a global context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 5+ years of supplier-negotiation experience.
• Experience in seed treatment, seed applied technology, or crop protection supply chains.
• Strong cost modeling and forecasting knowledge with COGS awareness.

Responsibilities

• Maintain global accountability for SAT supplier relationships and pricing alignment.
• Lead global procurement activities for the SAT category across regions.
• Develop sourcing strategies to support growth, continuity, and cost competitiveness.
• Lead contract negotiations across NA and global regions to maximize value.
• Interface with Global Seed Operations for supply planning and risk mitigation.
• Lead annual global forecasting balancing supply and demand with constraints.
• Manage forecasting across a diverse supplier network for reliability.
• Support SAT product launches with sourcing and supply readiness.
• Lead cost-savings initiatives and contribute to financial modeling and market insights.
• Collaborate with Supply Planning, Regulatory, Finance, and Leadership teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Forecasting experience

Contract negotiations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Procurement, Agriculture, Chemistry, Engineering, or 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 G row!

• 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 skills

• Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place

• Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment

• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays

• Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father

• Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program

• Learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits (https://hrportal.ehr.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=2Nre68t3vrs%3d&portalid=351)

• Check out life at Vylor! https://www.linkedin.com/company/vylorgenetics/

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.

Corteva Agriscience™ is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to boldly embracing the power of inclusion, diversity, and equity to enrich the lives of our employees and strengthen the performance of our company, while advancing equity in agriculture. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. Discrimination, harassment and retaliation are inconsistent with our values and will not be tolerated. If you require a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit:Accessibility Page for Contact Information

For US Applicants: See the ‘Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law’ poster. To all recruitment agencies: Corteva does not accept unsolicited third party resumes and is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.