Procurement Category Leader – Dairy, Vanilla, & Egg - Erlanger, KY

Archer Daniels Midland•Erlanger, KY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an exempt level position. We are seeking an experienced Procurement Category Leader to join our team and help drive sourcing strategy, supplier performance, supply assurance, and growth across key ingredient categories. This is an opportunity to take ownership, build strong cross-functional partnerships, and expand your category management capabilities within a dynamic global organization. The Procurement Category Leader – NA Ingredients supports the sourcing and category management of Vanilla, Dairy, Egg, and other strategic ingredient categories. This position is responsible for executing category strategies, managing supplier performance, supporting supply assurance, identifying cost and market opportunities, and enabling innovation and growth. The role works closely with Procurement leadership and cross-functional partners while providing an opportunity to develop broader category management expertise and take on increasing levels of responsibility.

Requirements

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong supplier relationship management and negotiation skills
Ability to analyze pricing, market trends, supplier performance, and supply risk
Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills
Ability to independently drive projects and follow through on commitments
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools
Working knowledge of ERP and procurement systems
Ability to develop market knowledge and category expertise
Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Food Science, Agriculture, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, category management, supply chain, or a related field
Experience managing suppliers and supporting commercial or sourcing activities
Experience working cross-functionally to execute business initiatives
Experience using data and market information to support business decisions

Nice To Haves

Experience within the food, beverage, flavors, or ingredient industry
Experience supporting Vanilla, Dairy, Egg, or similar food ingredient categories
Experience with strategic sourcing and category management
Experience with Power BI, ERP systems, and procurement analytics tools
Experience supporting new product development, commercialization, or innovation initiatives
Demonstrated interest and capability to grow into broader category management and leadership responsibilities

Responsibilities

Execute category and sourcing strategies for Vanilla, Dairy, Egg, and other assigned ingredient categories
Manage day-to-day supplier relationships and supplier performance
Support supply assurance through supplier diversification, qualification, onboarding, and risk mitigation
Develop and implement sourcing initiatives that improve cost competitiveness, resiliency, and business continuity
Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, pricing, and supply risks
Identify cost savings, cost avoidance, supply improvement, and sourcing opportunities
Support supplier negotiations, commercial agreements, and implementation activities
Manage supplier engagement supporting innovation, commercialization, and new product development
Coordinate ingredient samples, supplier qualification activities, and sourcing requirements for new product launches
Partner with Quality, Regulatory, R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Sales, Finance, and Product Development
Provide procurement, supplier, and market updates supporting S&OP and business planning
Track category performance, supplier metrics, savings, and other procurement KPIs
Develop category expertise and market intelligence to support strategic decision-making
Identify opportunities to expand ADM's supplier base and sourcing capabilities
Support continuous improvement of procurement processes and workflows