Category Manager Packaging Procurement

Brief Description

The Category Manager Packaging Procurement is responsible for:
This is a high-impact, strategic procurement role for an experienced packaging professional who wants to shape category strategy, influence cross-functional decisions, and deliver measurable business value. You will own the packaging category end to end—strategy, sourcing, supplier partnerships, cost optimization, and innovation—while directly supporting operational excellence, customer experience, and sustainability goals.
If you thrive in a role where you are expected to lead, not just execute, and where your packaging expertise is valued as a strategic capability, this role is designed for you.

Specific Duties

Primary duties and responsibilities:
Category Strategy & Procurement Leadership

Own and execute multi-year category strategies for packaging materials, including corrugate, thermal and cold-chain packaging, EPS, protective packaging, and custom labeling/branding.
Serve as the primary decision-maker for category roadmaps balancing cost, quality, service, innovation, and sustainability.
Lead complex sourcing initiatives (RFP/RFQ), supplier selection, negotiations, and contract execution.
Apply Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), should-cost analysis, and market benchmarking to drive informed sourcing decisions.
Expand and strengthen the supplier base, including onboarding qualified domestic and international suppliers to improve resiliency.

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

Own supplier relationship management, including QBRs, scorecards, and performance improvement plans.
Drive accountability for cost, quality, delivery, service levels, and risk mitigation.
Build strategic supplier partnerships focused on innovation, sustainability, and packaging optimization.
Proactively assess supplier risk and develop contingency plans for critical materials.

Cost Optimization & Market Intelligence

Monitor and analyze market drivers (corrugate, resin, EPS, freight, and related indices).
Identify and execute opportunities for cost reduction, packaging optimization, and supply base rationalization.
Partner with internal teams and suppliers to reduce waste, improve cube utilization, and support sustainability initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Act as a trusted advisor to Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, R&D/Product Development, Finance, and Marketing.
Translate business needs into scalable packaging solutions that support operational efficiency and product launches.
Provide subject-matter expertise on packaging design, materials, and supplier capabilities.

Contracting, Procurement, Governance & Continuous Improvement

Own the full contract lifecycle for packaging suppliers, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and governance standards.
Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives across sourcing processes, supplier collaboration, and category performance.
Champion innovation in sustainable materials, cold-chain efficiency, and cost-effective packaging design.

Key Relationships

Supplier executives and operational leaders
Procurement and supply chain teams
Operations, Quality, R&D/Product Development, Finance, and Marketing stakeholders
Organizational leadership and committee staff

Knowledge/Skills Required/Preferred

Core Competencies

Strategic category management and sourcing expertise
Advanced negotiation and supplier relationship management
Strong analytical and financial acumen
Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities

Technical Skills

Strategic sourcing methodologies including TCO modeling and should-cost analysis
Supplier performance management and risk assessment
Market intelligence and commodity tracking
Experience with ERP and e-sourcing platforms
Ability to build dashboards and category KPI reporting

Education/Experience

Education/Experience/Certifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Operations, or related field required
5+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management
Direct experience sourcing packaging materials and packaging suppliers strongly preferred
CPSM or equivalent certification preferred

Additional Criteria

10-20% travel required including, but not limited to supplier audits and tradeshows
This position is based out of the Northfield, IL office. Candidates must reside within 75 miles of the Northfield headquarters and meet in-office requirements.

Salary Range: $87,000 - $118,000