Category Manager

CATEGORY LEADER - PACKAGING (FOOD INDUSTRY)

Our client are seeking a strategic and results-driven Category Manager for Packaging to join their team in the food industry. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing and optimizing the sourcing, procurement, and management of packaging materials used in food production, ensuring alignment with company goals on cost, quality, sustainability, and innovation. You will lead cross-functional collaboration with R&D, procurement, marketing, and production teams, and develop strong relationships with suppliers to secure optimal packaging solutions that meet both functional and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Category Strategy Development: Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for packaging materials, aligned with business objectives for cost savings, sustainability, quality, and innovation.

• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key packaging suppliers, ensuring consistent quality, competitive pricing, and reliable supply. Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms to ensure optimal value for the company.

• Cost Optimization: Lead cost-reduction initiatives without compromising on quality. Analyze total cost of ownership and identify opportunities for savings in materials, manufacturing processes, and logistics.

• Sustainability Initiatives: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to promote sustainable packaging solutions that align with environmental goals and meet industry standards. Drive projects aimed at reducing the environmental impact of packaging materials.

• Market Analysis & Trends: Conduct in-depth market analysis to stay informed about trends, new technologies, regulations, and competitive activities in the packaging industry. Leverage this insight to drive innovation in packaging strategies.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with procurement, production, R&D, marketing, and quality assurance teams to ensure packaging solutions meet all functional, aesthetic, regulatory, and logistical requirements.

• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain, including supplier reliability, raw material shortages, and regulatory changes. Develop contingency plans to ensure business continuity.

• Budget Management: Develop, monitor, and manage the category budget, ensuring all packaging initiatives align with financial targets.

• Project Management: Lead packaging-related projects from inception through implementation, coordinating with internal teams and suppliers to ensure timely delivery and execution of packaging initiatives.

• Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensure that all packaging materials comply with food safety, quality standards, and regulatory requirements such as FDA, EU regulations, and sustainability certifications.

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Analyze procurement data, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and report on category performance, including cost savings, supplier performance, and sustainability metrics.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, Packaging Engineering, or a related field; MBA is a plus.

• 5+ years of experience in category management, procurement, or supply chain management, with a focus on sourcing, packaging materials in the food industry.

• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.

• In-depth knowledge of packaging materials, technologies, and industry trends in the food sector.

• Proven track record of driving cost reductions, improving supplier performance, and implementing sustainable packaging solutions.

• Familiarity with food industry regulatory requirements related to packaging (e.g., FDA, EU regulations).

• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with proficiency in procurement and supply chain management software (e.g., SAP, Oracle).

• Exceptional communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in sustainable packaging initiatives and innovation.

• Knowledge of global packaging supply markets.

• Certification in supply chain management or procurement (e.g., CPSM, CSCP) is a plus.