The Manager, Strategic Sourcing – Category Management will lead the strategic sourcing and category management for key packaging categories across North America, with potential to expand globally. This individual will serve as the corporate subject matter expert for assigned packaging categories—driving supplier strategy, pricing, contracts, and supply decisions.

This role will lead cross-functional and cross-regional teams to deliver total value, optimize supply chain performance, foster supplier innovation, and ensure sustainable business growth across 2–3 major global packaging categories.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Category Management

• Lead global cross-functional teams to optimize the supply chain for complex packaging categories and commodity groups across all regions.

• Develop and execute long-term, multi-year category strategies that drive process improvement, material innovation, and supplier performance.

• Deliver annual cost savings and cost avoidance through strategic sourcing initiatives, process optimization, and supplier negotiation.

Supplier Relationship & Contract Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for supplier communication, relationship management, and issue resolution.

• Build and maintain executive-level partnerships with key suppliers to align on innovation, cost improvement, and sustainability goals.

• Negotiate and implement global supply agreements that secure favorable terms, mitigate risks, and enhance overall value to the organization.

Innovation & Collaboration

• Partner with R&D, Packaging Engineering, ESG, Quality, Marketing, and Operations to integrate new materials, technologies, and designs that enhance product performance and sustainability.

• Collaborate with R&D to support new product development through component costing, commodity analysis, and supply chain risk assessment.

• Proactively identify market trends and emerging technologies that can drive competitive advantage in packaging design and supply.

Market Intelligence & Risk Management

• Monitor global market conditions, pricing trends, and material availability to anticipate supply risks and identify cost-saving opportunities.

• Lead supplier segmentation and global alignment initiatives to leverage total spend and maximize value across the enterprise.

• Develop and implement contingency plans to ensure supply continuity and business resilience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.

• Minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in procurement or sourcing, with at least 2 years in category management or strategic sourcing.

• Strong understanding of sourcing best practices, supplier management, and category strategy development.

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional, global initiatives and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Solid experience in contract negotiation, cost modeling, and supplier performance management.

• Demonstrated success in achieving measurable cost savings and supplier performance improvement.

• Experience managing packaging categories within the consumer goods, food, or manufacturing industries.

• Global sourcing experience and familiarity with sustainability or ESG-driven procurement strategies.

• Advanced analytical and strategic planning skills with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and analytical skills.

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and influencing abilities.

• Collaborative leader who can effectively engage stakeholders across functions and regions.

• Results-oriented, adaptable, and able to thrive in a dynamic global environment.