Our roots were planted here in 1894, and we have since expanded to 24 manufacturing facilities nationwide. St. Louis, a hidden gem, offers a unique blend of big-city amenities and a small-town feel. Discover a rich culture, world-class schools, top-notch healthcare, and affordable living. With neighborhoods to suit every lifestyle, St. Louis is the perfect place to call home. Join us in this vibrant city, where we proudly work together to make a difference in the lives of people, our pets and the environment. As a Sr. Specialist Procurement Category Manager (Sr. Category Buyer – Direct Materials), you’ll lead sourcing strategy for ingredients and packaging from start to finish. By using business needs and marketing insights, you’ll build strategies that reduce costs, strengthen supplier relations, and support responsible sourcing practices. You’ll turn data and market intelligence into actionable plans that align with business priorities, improve supply reliability, and drive value. You will also identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement while ensuring sourcing decisions support both day-to-day operations and long-term goals. Lead sourcing strategy execution for assigned categories, balancing business priorities, supply continuity, cost optimization, and long-term category goals. Partner closely with factory teams to address day-to-day supply issues, respond to urgent requests, and support uninterrupted operations in a fast-paced environment. Interface directly with suppliers to manage requests, monitor performance, and ensure materials are delivered on time and in full. Own OMP-related activities for assigned categories, supporting planning alignment, execution, and supply visibility across the network. Conduct supplier, category, and supply risk analyses to identify opportunities, mitigate risk, and improve total cost of ownership. Manage a dynamic portfolio of priorities, including sourcing milestones, rolling calendar deliverables, financial reporting, and other business-critical activities. Support sourcing and supply activities across the wet and dry network, including supplier relationships within the meat industry such as poultry, pork, and beef. Requirements Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain, Agriculture or related AND 3 years' experience in strategic procurement, marketing, logistics, supply chain, or related OR High School Diploma AND 10 years' experience in direct negotiating experience. The approximate pay range for this position is $90,000 to $111,000. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location.