Sr. Category Manager

About The Role

The Sr. Category Procurement Manager will lead the Meat Upstream Procurement Category, with responsibilities over procurement operational activities, procurement strategy management, and supplier relationship management. This role will be key in ensuring effective stakeholder engagement is delivered to all dependant businesses for the meat category.

• Responsible for developing, implementing and managing the Downstream Meat Category strategy which will align and support the North American Meat Procurement strategy and initiatives and effectively support the businesses that are supported by the Meat Category.
• Develop and execute sourcing and tendering strategies for categories that have an extreme level of complexity taking into account the scale, strategic importance, level of risk, bespoke commercial model structure, number of suppliers and pricing variables within the responsible categories.
• Build deep raw material expertise and industry knowledge across the spend categories and be the procurement expert and trusted key advisor to stakeholders across the business.
• Maintain strong cross‑functional relationships between Procurement and other key functions, RD&A, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, etc.
• Lead development and implementation of the category’s risk mitigation strategies for Market Volatility and Security of Supply.
• Ensure data validity and reporting within the categories is correct.
• Manage all aspects of supplier risk (price, quality, supply, etc.) while securing Total Cost of Ownership reductions by launching cross‑functional cost improvement initiatives.
• Manage and build supplier relationships with the key supply base.
• Be one of Kerry's subject‑matter experts on meat ingredients and meat markets and pricing.
• Ensure supplier compliance for required standards of business (Supplier Quality, Insurance, SEDEX, etc.).
• Ensure the meat downstream team is utilizing the right and most effective tools to carry out procurement activities. These tools should enhance efficiency, accuracy and value delivered by the team.
• Supplier benchmarking and workshops.
• Ensure the Meat DS team is an active member of various global and regional initiatives, and works to share and utilize best practices across the procurement teams in N‑A.
• Ensure the Meat DS team delivers value‑added services and results that promote DDS and NAM procurement brand within Kerry as a value creator and strategic partner.

• BS Degree in Business or similar discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain in the food and beverage industry.
• 5+ years of experience in the meat industry.

The pay range for this position is $102,400 – $190,200 in annual salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay‑for‑performance company and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience and internal equity. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance‑based incentive compensation. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, life, disability, accident insurance and tuition reimbursement.

This job posting is anticipated to expire on 2415/2026.

Kerry is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, military service, veteran status or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This commitment applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, training and career development.

Kerry also takes affirmative action to ensure that minorities, women, disabled veterans and other protected groups are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.