Procurement Category Manager

Simmons Foods•Siloam Springs, AR

About The Position

The Procurement Category Manager oversees procurement for one or more business-unit categories. The role develops and executes category strategies for assigned commodities to ensure long-term quality, on-time delivery, cost efficiency, sustainability, and reliable direct-material supply throughout the product lifecycle. It delivers business value by ensuring supply, resolving issues, maintaining regulatory compliance, and fostering innovation through cross-functional collaboration. The position leads sourcing activities and supplier relationships in collaboration with internal partners across Manufacturing, R&D, Sales, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Transportation, Legal, Finance, Warehousing, and Marketing. It analyzes market conditions, forecasts, supplier quotations, and category needs; negotiates costs and contract terms; and awards business based on quality, service, and overall value. The manager also leads supplier planning, performance measurement, cost-saving initiatives, new-product introductions, and supplier audits. The role participates in team development and supports company operating systems, including quality, security, office environment, company policies, and LEAN. Travel to company facilities, suppliers, trade shows, work sites, or customer visits is required, including overnight stays; travel is approximately 25–35% within North America. The work involves computer use, visual verification of information, communication and presentations, and movement through manufacturing and office environments and surrounding property. Work in various temperatures may be required, with PPE as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field, or four years of related work experience.
Five to seven years of experience in Purchasing.
Extensive experience managing a SKU-intensive environment.
Excellent organizational, communication, and computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Broad knowledge of consumer-category manufacturers in the industry.
Ability to travel within North America approximately 25–35%, including trips that often require overnight stays.
Ability to work in various temperatures and move about in manufacturing and office environments and surrounding property.
Ability to enter and locate information on a computer, visually verify information often in small print, communicate with customers, vendors, or employees by phone, in person, or email, and present to small or large groups.
Use personal protective equipment as needed in the required environment.

Nice To Haves

Category materials experience.
In-depth knowledge of manufacturing and category products.
Designated Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) certification or equivalent.
MBA.
Military experience is valued; veterans are welcome to join the team.

Responsibilities

Oversee procurement for one or more business-unit categories and develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned commodities.
Collaborate with Manufacturing, R&D, Sales, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Transportation, Legal, Finance, Warehousing, and Marketing to develop and lead sourcing processes that create long-term value and mitigate risk.
Manage the full sourcing process, including strategy development and execution, cost negotiations, and supplier relationship management.
Lead sourcing events, analyze supplier quotations, negotiate contract terms, and award business based on quality, service, and total value.
Work with internal stakeholders to define needs and requirements and maintain compliance with corporate policies and regulatory and legal requirements.
Monitor regulatory issues and use category and manufacturing knowledge to promote sustainable offerings and alternative category structures that support operational, sales, and customer needs.
Develop knowledge of industry costs, demand-supply drivers, and trends and use it to create competitive advantage.
Build collaborative relationships with current and prospective suppliers and develop strategic business plans with key supplier partners.
Negotiate with suppliers to secure supply, savings, and advantageous terms; review contracts and prepare for renegotiations.
Coordinate with Legal on contracts and other relevant business issues.
Analyze volume forecasts and trends, identify opportunities, and initiate sourcing activities to address supply gaps or overages.
Create and manage key performance indicators to support continuous improvement, identify exceptions and opportunities, and drive corrective action.
Deliver and track year-over-year productivity cost savings for key categories.
Communicate and align category sourcing strategies with key business stakeholders.
Develop and execute strategic projects to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.
Manage new-product introductions to support on-time delivery, quality, and budget requirements.
Conduct supplier plant audits with other stakeholders.
Travel to company facilities, suppliers, trade shows, work sites, and customer visits as needed to manage assigned categories.
Participate in team development, communication, and implementation of team concepts, programs, and policies; coordinate work, attend meetings, and support team cohesion and issue resolution.
Maintain familiarity with Simmons operating systems, including quality, security, office environment, company policies, and LEAN, and communicate concerns and improvement ideas.
Perform other duties as necessary in support of business objectives.