Senior Category Manager – Packaging

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

📋 Description

• Create and implement a global category strategy spanning 12 to 36 months that encompasses flexible, rigid, corrugated, labels, and tertiary packaging.

• Achieve cost savings of 4 to 5% through innovative approaches, supply chain resilience, strong supplier relationships, and effective management of commodity volatility.

• Collaborate with Marketing and R&D to refine specifications, leverage costs, enhance operational efficiency, and improve sustainability outcomes.

• Establish and uphold clear, index-linked agreements that differentiate material inputs from conversion costs.

• Lead comprehensive total cost modeling that factors in yield, throughput, transportation efficiency, and disposal impacts.

• Monitor raw material trends, including pulp, films, resins, and inks, to secure beneficial forward positions.

• Broaden and diversify the supplier network to enhance resilience and ensure a reliable supply chain.

• Coordinate with Marketing, R&D, Operations, and Quality to ensure centralized commercial governance and effective site-level execution.

• Promote recycled content, lightweighting, and streamlined material formats to fulfill ESG objectives.

• Guide and mentor regional procurement resources and a small team focused on packaging-related supply expenditures.

• Develop should-cost, total cost, and LPP models that take into account yield, scrap, freight, and quality factors.

• Provide senior leadership with updates on market dynamics, supplier performance, risk posture, commodity impacts, mitigation strategies, and potential savings opportunities.

• Implement supplier KPIs related to quality, delivery, emissions, and competitiveness.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Packaging Engineering, Business, or a similarly analytical field.

• Over 10 years of progressive global procurement experience.

• Demonstrated success in managing highly complex packaging portfolios within the FMCG, chemical, or manufacturing industries.

• Extensive knowledge of packaging manufacturing processes, including extrusion, blow molding, corrugation, and printing.

• Familiarity with raw material index mechanisms and advanced strategic sourcing techniques.

• Advanced skills in should-cost modeling, tooling analysis, and index-based contract structures.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with expertise in data analysis and reporting.

• Proficient in ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle.

• Experience with e-procurement platforms like Coupa, Ariba, or Rosslyn.

• Capability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Flexibility to adapt to evolving situations, new information, and unforeseen challenges.

• Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time.

• A Master’s degree is preferred.

• Multilingual abilities, such as Mandarin or Thai, are preferred.

• APICS or ISM certification, including CPIM or CPSM, is an advantage.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage beginning on day one for full-time employees.

• Educational assistance for eligible employees enrolled in recognized, accredited collegiate programs.

• Employer-sponsored life insurance and disability coverage.

• Voluntary supplemental life, hospitalization, critical illness, and other insurance options.

• Adoption assistance programs.

• Fertility benefits included in the medical plan.

• Paid parental leave.

• Health Savings Account (HSA).

• 401(k) retirement plan.

• Sick days and short-term leave options.

• Paid holidays, vacation days, and personal days.

• Access to the Teammate Assistance Program (TAP).

• Calm Health resources.

• Cancer Resource Services.

• Various discount programs available.