The Category Manager - Packaging is responsible for shaping and executing procurement approaches for all packaging components—such as bottles, closures, labels, and cartons—as well as outsourced manufacturing services. The position plays a central role in ensuring that packaging arrives cost-effectively, on schedule, and at the expected quality level, while also overseeing strategic partnerships with third-party manufacturers that support the company’s operational scale and long-term growth. The successful candidate will have a strong background in strategic procurement, supplier engagement, and contract development within a production-oriented environment, ideally in the nutrition, food, or pharmaceutical fields.

***This is a Remote position***

Primary Functions

Category Strategy & Procurement Leadership

• Design and roll out procurement plans for packaging items and external manufacturing services that support the organization’s goals for cost efficiency, quality standards, and delivery performance.

• Locate, assess, and approve new suppliers and contract manufacturers, confirming they satisfy all technical, regulatory, and quality criteria.

• Track developments across the packaging and outsourced manufacturing markets and use insights to refine sourcing direction and drive cost improvements.

Cost Management & Commercial Negotiations

• Take the lead in negotiating pricing, contract terms, and commercial conditions with packaging providers and contract manufacturers, ensuring agreements support required service and quality expectations.

• Execute initiatives to reduce overall spend—such as streamlining the supplier base, leveraging value-engineering, and cultivating strategic supplier alliances.

• Keep a pulse on input costs, commodity shifts, and external market forces to proactively adapt sourcing strategies and safeguard against cost volatility.

Supplier Engagement & Performance Oversight

• Develop productive, long-term working relationships with packaging vendors and manufacturing partners to ensure dependable supply, consistent delivery, and ongoing improvements in cost and quality.

• Perform routine supplier assessments—including audits, service reviews, and negotiation cycles—to confirm compliance and strengthen performance.

• Collaborate with suppliers to encourage innovation in packaging formulations and outsourced production methods that improve the company’s products or operational effectiveness.

Coordination Across Teams

• Work with R&D, Quality, Production, and Marketing groups to verify that packaging materials meet functional, aesthetic, and regulatory expectations.

• Align with contract manufacturing partners on production timing, capacity plans, and quality requirements to support internal demand.

• Partner with logistics and operations teams to ensure packaging specifications support distribution needs for both online and retail channels.

Compliance & Operational Risk Controls

• Confirm that all packaging sourced aligns with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks—such as FDA, GMP, and CTSCA—along with internal sustainability targets.

• Identify weak points within the supply chain and develop mitigation strategies to maintain operational continuity.

• Manage contract requirements, including SLAs, quality commitments, and regulatory obligations for both packaging suppliers and external manufacturers.

Analytics & Reporting

• Monitor and examine key procurement metrics, such as cost savings, service lead times, supplier quality, and delivery performance.

• Prepare regular updates and presentations for leadership that highlight category results, market conditions, and supplier-related insights.

• Leverage data to uncover opportunities for process improvements, improved efficiency, and additional savings.

Sustainability & Continuous Improvement

• Investigate and implement environmentally responsible packaging solutions and materials aligned with the company’s sustainability objectives.

• Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners to continually refine quality, minimize waste, and elevate the overall performance of the supply chain.

Required Background

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Physics, Mathematics, or a related discipline.

• 6–10 years of experience in procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing specifically tied to packaging components and outsourced manufacturing.

• Demonstrated strength in negotiating with suppliers, managing contracts, and driving cost-efficiency initiatives.

• Knowledge of packaging technologies and materials relevant to supplements, food, or pharmaceutical production.

• Experience collaborating with contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) or similar external production partners.

• Strong analytical capabilities and comfort with data tools and ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle.

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to partner effectively with cross-functional teams and influence decision-making.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a closely related specialty.

• Professional certifications such as APICS, CPSM, or CSCP.

• Experience in sustainability-focused packaging development or eco-friendly materials.

• Understanding of international sourcing and experience working with global suppliers and contract manufacturers.

Compensation: $135,000 base salary, plus bonus and full benefits

If this sounds like the position you have been waiting for, please apply using the online application or the link below - all inquiries are strictly confidential. Our focus is to assist you to make your best next career move, and we will not use your information for any other purpose.

Kalon Search is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

www.KalonSearch.com