Category Manager II, Direct Materials Procurement – Paper Board and Substrates

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Report directly to the Director of Paper Services within the Direct Materials Procurement team.

• Formulate, communicate, and execute strategies for designated categories.

• Provide support for packaging, retail, and commercial print operations.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to grasp the strategic vision and business priorities.

• Implement category strategies to minimize total cost of ownership while ensuring supply continuity.

• Generate value through cost enhancements, risk management, supply continuity, cost avoidance, process improvements, and supplier management.

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers.

• Investigate, assess, and qualify potential new suppliers.

• Analyze supplier core competencies and competitive positioning utilizing cost models and benchmarking tools.

• Conduct market assessments, manage sourcing events, and oversee negotiations and contract execution.

• Negotiate supplier contracts that include KPIs, SLAs, price protection, and continuous improvement efficiencies.

• Work in conjunction with Plant Operations, Estimating, and other essential stakeholders.

• Undertake additional responsibilities as necessary to meet business objectives.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 5 years of strategic experience in direct materials procurement.

• Thorough understanding of folding carton board and substrate (plastics) applications and specifications.

• Bachelor’s degree in business management or supply chain.

• Capability to foster strategic partnerships and collaborate across various internal teams and with suppliers.

• Project management experience in high-volume throughput environments.

• Competence in analyzing data and identifying potential opportunities aligned with strategies.

• Exceptional communication abilities and professionalism in addressing sensitive issues.

• Proficiency in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Willingness to travel occasionally as required to meet business needs.

• Knowledge of SBS, CUK/SUS, CRB/WLC, containerboard, and synthetic/rigid plastic substrates including polystyrene, polypropylene, PET, and PVC.

• Understanding of mill versus merchant/converter distribution dynamics, lead times, allocation management, and converting plant yield/waste factors.

• Experience in establishing and conducting formal Quarterly Business Reviews and supplier scorecards.

• Familiarity with enterprise ERP/MRP systems such as SAP.

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Paid time off.

• Disability insurance.

• 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.

• Life insurance.

• Options for voluntary supplemental insurance coverages.

• Parental leave.

• Adoption assistance.

• Tuition assistance.

• Discounts through employer/partner programs.

• Potential for bonus, commission, or incentive programs included in total compensation.