Category Leader, Procurement - Chicago or Decatur, IL or Erlanger, KY.

ADM - Decatur, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Decatur, IL

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Category Leader for Procurement at ADM is responsible for developing and executing global category strategies in collaboration with stakeholders. This role focuses on managing risk, monitoring market conditions, and ensuring high-quality supply performance. The successful candidate will work closely with business unit leaders to enhance operational excellence, supply quality, and cost efficiency, making it a highly visible individual contributor position.

Responsibilities

• Strategic management of assigned categories in Human Resources, Professional Services, and Insurance.
• Develop, lead, and execute a global 5-year category strategy including total cost of ownership model development and negotiation strategy execution.
• Leverage ADM's seven step sourcing process to document procurement activities.
• Monitor market trends and provide updates on category dynamics and best practices.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with key suppliers and monitor performance metrics.
• Engage internal stakeholders to align objectives and develop category strategies.
• Develop an annual plan for value delivery based on organizational goals and marketplace knowledge.
• Prepare and issue requests for quotes, proposals, or information to qualified suppliers.
• Develop and implement contractual frameworks in cooperation with legal.
• Implement tools and reports to manage categories and supply base.
• Provide weekly updates on project status and execution dates.
• Ensure compliance with contracting and procurement standards, policies, and procedures.
• Act as a change agent and advocate for Procurement as a value-added function.
• Establish and evaluate performance metrics for category and own cost-saving results.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Management, Finance, Business, or a related area.
• Minimum 8 years of professional experience with 4 years in Procurement or Strategic Sourcing.
• Certified Professional of Supply Management (CPSM) certification or other Procurement certification is a plus.
• Strong communication skills in English, both verbal and written.

Nice-to-haves

• Fluency in other languages, especially Spanish and Portuguese.
• Experience in Food/Agri-business industry.
• Experience in LEAN Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and/or project management.
• Familiarity with E-sourcing tools (Ariba, Bravo, etc.).

Benefits

• Medical/Rx, dental, vision, and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement.
• Flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions, and cash balance plan.
• Discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, and legal assistance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
• Paid time off including paid holidays, adoption assistance, and paid maternity and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance and company-sponsored training and development resources.