Category Buyer- Regional Category HR&A

Perfetti Van Melle • Erlanger, KY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Category Buyer for a Regional Category executes sourcing events, supplier negotiations, and contract implementation for regionally defined Indirects categories within the strategy set by the RCM-Regional. The role ensures savings delivery, supplier compliance, and service performance for Business Units, while managing RFx processes and maintaining accurate contract and supplier records. The Category Buyer is the primary commercial execution resource for the assigned regional category. The role is based onsite in Erlanger, Kentucky.

Requirements

• 5–7 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years in a strategic sourcing or category analytics role.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience executing RFx processes and managing supplier negotiations.
• Experience with contract implementation and supplier performance monitoring.
• Working knowledge of SAP ARIBA or equivalent e-procurement platforms.
• Ability to travel globally up to 10%.

Nice To Haves

• CIPS foundation or equivalent.
• Exposure to the specific regional Indirects category.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

• 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 escalate to the 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.

Benefits

• PTO package including vacation, wellness, and pay it forward time off.
• 13 paid holidays.
• 401(k) with Company Match up to 8%.
• Annual bonus potential and merit-based increases.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Annual well-being subsidy.
• 20 weeks maternity and 12 weeks paternity leave options.
• Sam's Club or Costco annual membership reimbursement.
• Tuition-free college program or free continued education (BA, Master's, etc.).
• Modest monthly candy allotments (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level