Category Manager

CareersInFood.com; Merrillville (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company is seeking a Category Manager for Packaging. The role entails developing procurement strategies, negotiating with suppliers, and managing inventory for optimal operations. Candidates must possess a strong background in procurement, excellent communication skills, and at least 5 years of relevant experience. This full-time position offers the opportunity to work with various departments, ensuring product quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of procurement experience, with prior experience as Procurement Manager preferred.
• Ability to manage changing business needs and concurrent projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate with suppliers for cost-effective pricing while maintaining quality.
• Identify innovative procurement solutions for cost savings.
• Manage inventory and assess levels continuously.

Skills

Decision-making

Adaptability

Cross-functional teamwork

Data analysis

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Procurement experience

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Overview

Category Manager for Packaging develops the overall strategy for the category and researches new product options in the film and corrugate space to achieve business goals. The Category Manager works closely with company leadership, operations, and warehousing to meet objectives in quality, customer service, security of supply, continuous improvement, production efficiency, and cost saving. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility, specific to film and corrugate; responsible for resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate changes and other terms and conditions with suppliers to obtain the best return at the most cost-effective prices while retaining quality specifications.
• Identify innovative procurement solutions that provide savings and process efficiencies for the organization.
• Devise long term strategies to reduce raw material landed costs while satisfying a continuous and steady supply.
• Perform category management including strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract, performance and risk management.
• Maintain working professional relationships with all assigned suppliers; negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers.
• Ensure vendor information in ERP system is updated and accurate.
• Forecast sales for new and established items; evaluate forecast at appropriate intervals to ensure accuracy and make adjustments as needed.
• Develop policies and procedures as part of the procurement team.
• Meet with vendors to establish programs and ensure product offerings meet customer needs.
• Develop and implement KPIs to report to company leadership regarding category performance.
• Manage inventory on a continuous basis and assess inventory levels.
• Maintain strong working relationships with co-workers, suppliers, vendors, and contract manufacturers to confirm production/shipping schedules and monitor open purchase orders for on-time deliveries.
• Proactively report product and material availability issues.
• Obtain samples, product information, pricing, and product specifications as needed.
• Assist and lead in sourcing of new items.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong and effective decision-making ability; able to interpret complex and multiple sources of information to make decisions.
• High adaptability to manage changing business needs; able to manage concurrent projects and meet deadlines in an ambiguous environment.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with all levels of internal staff and vendors.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools and systems including Excel and ERP.
• Self-motivated / self-starter; excellent interpersonal skills; team player.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of production and processing; strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills; excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to speak, read and write in English.
• Minimum 5 years of procurement experience; previous experience as Procurement Manager preferred but will consider a qualified planner/buyer.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred or 5+ years of category and supervisory experience required; extensive ERP experience required.

Core Values

• Own It; Hustle and Refuse to Settle; Love People; Act for the Greater Good

Working Relationship

• Will work directly with all levels of the organization; will work with all aspects of supply chain including company leadership, plant scheduling, logistics, production, sales, marketing, product design, and finance; reports into the Director of Packaging.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Business Development

Industries

• Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Beverage Manufacturing, and Dairy Product Manufacturing

Locations and sample postings include: East Chicago, IN; Merrillville, IN; Park Forest, IL; Park Forest area postings and salary ranges are listed where shown.