Category Manager of Information Technology

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

As a Category Manager of Information Technology Procurement, you will shape sourcing strategies that power innovation and business growth across IT, Marketing, and Sales. You will lead procurement initiatives for hardware, software, telecom, professional services, media, agencies, and marketing services, driving value, optimizing spend, and maximizing return on investment. Partnering closely with cross-functional stakeholders, you will align sourcing strategies with business priorities, provide expert procurement guidance, negotiate impactful supplier agreements, and strengthen supplier performance. This opportunity is ideal for a strategic, relationship-focused professional who enjoys influencing business decisions, managing diverse category portfolios, and delivering measurable results through collaboration, continuous improvement, and smart sourcing strategies.

This position is located onsite at our corporate office in Salisbury, MD (relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates) or structured as a remote role that requires travel up to 25% of the time.

The salary range for this position is $89,000 - $133,000 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.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Create and implement sourcing strategies focused on total value creation.
• Conduct spend analysis, market research, and supplier benchmarking.
• Develop suppliers by creating fit-for-purpose strategic relationships.
• Lead sourcing events, including requests for proposals and negotiations, and conduct supplier evaluations.
• Apply negotiation strategies to secure favorable terms and outcomes.
• Ensure smooth contract handoff and alignment with operational teams.
• Collaborate with the Procurement Center of Excellence to apply standardized sourcing tools.
• Assist in managing contract terms, renewals, and compliance checkpoints.
• Serve as the day-to-day liaison for suppliers within assigned categories.
• Monitor performance metrics and support corrective actions when needed.
• Identify and escalate 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.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management.
• Experience with supplier negotiations, requests for proposals, requests for quotations, requests for information, and contract execution.
• Experience collaborating with operations, finance, and legal teams.
• Proficiency in enterprise resource planning and sourcing tools, such as SAP Ariba.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Position is mostly sedentary but may require occasional moving to other offices or buildings.
• May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
• May need to access files, supplies and equipment.
• Work activity is in an office, open-partitioned, cubicle environment.

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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.