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

As a Direct Procurement Operations Manager, you will lead the day-to-day execution of sourcing, purchasing, and supplier management for direct materials, ensuring our operations have the resources needed to keep production running efficiently. You will oversee operational buyers and planners, align procurement activities with production demands, and drive execution of sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships that support quality, service, and cost objectives. Working cross-functionally with operations, planning, and suppliers, you will play a critical role in maintaining continuity of supply, optimizing inventory, and resolving challenges in a fast-paced environment. This opportunity is ideal for a collaborative, results-driven leader who thrives on building high-performing teams, strengthening supplier relationships, and delivering operational excellence.

This position is remote and may be performed from anywhere within the United States. 

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage a team of buyers executing direct material purchases to support production continuity.
• Escalate urgent supply issues and collaborate with planning and production teams to resolve gaps.
• Ensure adherence to supplier contracts, pricing, and service levels.
• Monitor and mitigate supply risks by tracking inventory, order status, and supplier performance.
• Partner with materials planners to align on demand forecasts and minimize disruptions.
• Serve as the point of contact for supply issues requiring procurement intervention.
• Support implementation of supplier programs and monitor service performance.
• Coordinate with suppliers on delivery schedules, lead times, and quality issues.
• Escalate quality or delivery issues and partner with Centers of Excellence and Category teams to develop corrective actions.
• Standardize purchase workflows, escalation protocols, and purchase order creation across plants.
• Partner with the Centers of Excellence and Technology Manager to support the use of procure-to-pay processes and automation tools.
• Improve visibility and control over direct procurement activity and spend compliance.
• Align with category teams to support strategy execution and supplier transitions.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and materials teams to ensure operational alignment.
• Track key metrics, including cycle time, purchase order accuracy, and fill rate, to drive improvements.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in direct procurement, materials planning, or supply management.
• Experience managing tactical buyers or working in a plant-facing role.
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning systems, inventory tracking, and direct materials procurement processes.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams in manufacturing or production environments.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• 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.

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.