Sr Category Specialist, Procurement Job Location: Hershey, PA * Summary:* The Sr Category Specialist, Procurement will be responsible for category management, supplier relationship management, value delivery, sustainability & resiliency of assigned categories of $150-250M+ in spend. * Responsibilities:* * Strategic Sourcing: Develop and implement category management and strategic sourcing plans for the procurement of high-quality materials while unlocking value to Hershey and maximizing the capabilities of our co-manufacturing partners. * Supplier Management: Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, lead strategic contracts negotiation, and ensure compliance with company standards. * Collaborate with Procurement, Supply Chain and other functions to identify and support innovation, continuous improvement initiatives that achieve organizational objectives including technology capabilities, cost savings, quality and service improvements, supplier diversity, and working capital improvement, etc. * Financial Management: Monitor and control procurement budgets, identifying opportunities for cost savings, working capital and efficiency improvements. * Risk Management: Identify and mitigate price and/or continuity risks to ensure a resilient supply chain * Performance Reporting: Prepare and present procurement performance reports to senior management, highlighting key metrics and areas for improvement. * Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:* * Negotiation Skills: Ability to lead strategic negotiations with suppliers, driving enterprise value for the company while maintaining strong supplier relationships. * Analytical Abilities: Proficiency in analyzing market trends and supplier performance data to make informed procurement decisions. * Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. * Strategic Thinking: Capability to develop and implement long-term procurement strategies that align with the company’s goals and objectives. * Risk Management: Expertise in identifying potential risks in the supply chain and developing strategies to mitigate, ensuring a stable supply of materials or services * Qualifications:* * Education: A bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field is typically required. * Experience: A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in procurement, with at least 2 years in a direct procurement role. Experience in the consumer packaged goods industry is highly preferred. The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans If you require a reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact the HR Service Center (askhr@hersheys.com). #LI-CE1 #LI-Hybrid