Procurement Associate Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, 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

Drive value and performance across energy and real estate that keep our operations running and growing. As a Category Manager of Energy and Real Estate Procurement, you will lead sourcing and hedging strategies for Natural Gas, Electricity, Diesel and Propane as well as help lease and acquire Real Estate properties and associated services while building strong supplier partnerships and delivering high impact contracting solutions. You will collaborate closely with cross functional partners to align sourcing approaches with business needs, guide stakeholders on procurement best practices, and ensure contracts are executed with clarity and value in mind. This role is ideal for a strategic, detail-oriented professional who enjoys managing commodity-based portfolios, strengthening supplier performance, and contributing to continuous improvement across procurement processes.

This position can be remote based.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Create and implement category sourcing strategies focusing on total value creation including cost optimization and cash release.
• Contribute to hedging and risk management strategy for Energy
• Conduct spend analysis, market research, and supplier benchmarking.
• Develop suppliers by creating fit for purpose strategic relationships and ensure.
• Supplier performance defined by KPIs. Escalate issues as needed.
• Lead sourcing events (RFPs, negotiations) and supplier evaluations.
• Apply negotiation strategies to secure favorable terms and outcomes.
• Ensure smooth contract handoff and alignment with operational teams.
• Collaborate with Procurement CoE to apply standardized sourcing tools and processes.
• Assist in managing contract terms, renewals, and compliance checkpoints.
• Serve as the day-to-day liaison for suppliers in the category.
• 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 related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years' experience in sourcing and contracting, procurement, or category management.
• Strong expert experience in RFx process, proposal evaluation, deal and contract negotiation.
• Project management experience and ability to project manage multiple complex projects.
• Experience in commodity-based categories and hedging strategies.
• Experience in Real estate and facilities management
• Strong analytical, planning, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate with operations, finance, and legal teams.
• Proficiency in ERP and sourcing tools (e.g., SAP Ariba).

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Position may require occasional travel (5-10%)
• 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.