Category Manager (Packaging/CMO)

Nordic Naturals; Watsonville (CA); Remote; USD 130,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the dietary supplement industry is seeking a Category Manager for Packaging & Contract Manufacturing in Watsonville, California. This role focuses on developing sourcing strategies, optimizing costs, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships to ensure timely and quality packaging material delivery. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in strategic sourcing within the manufacturing context, particularly related to supplements, food, or pharmaceuticals, and be eager to drive sustainability initiatives.

Benefits

Multiple Health Plan Options

Dental & Vision

Dedicated Mental Health & Wellness Plan

Paid Holidays (9 holidays per year)

401(k) Retirement Plan (employer matches dollar for dollar up to 3%)

Free Monthly Supplements

Paid Sabbatical (3 weeks of paid sabbatical after every 5 years of employment)

Qualifications

• 6-10 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management.
• Familiarity with packaging materials and technologies.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for packaging materials and services.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers to achieve optimal pricing and terms.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with packaging suppliers.

Skills

Supplier negotiations

Contract management

Cost optimization

Data analysis

Relationship management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business Administration, Physics, or Mathematics

Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Position Overview:

The Category Manager – Packaging & Contract Manufacturing will drive the development and implementation of sourcing strategies for packaging materials (e.g., bottles, caps, labels, boxes) and contract manufacturing services. This role is essential for optimizing the cost, quality, and timely delivery of packaging, as well as managing strategic relationships with contract manufacturers to support the company’s growth and operational objectives. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management within a manufacturing context, with a focus on the supplement, food, or pharmaceutical industries. (Remote)

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management:

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for packaging materials and contract manufacturing services that align with the company’s cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers and contract manufacturers, ensuring they meet all technical, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Stay informed about market trends in packaging materials and contract manufacturing services, leveraging insights to optimize sourcing strategies and reduce costs.

Cost Optimization & Negotiation:

• Lead negotiations with suppliers and contract manufacturers to achieve the best possible pricing, terms, and conditions while ensuring alignment with quality and delivery requirements.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives, including supplier consolidation, value engineering, and strategic supplier partnerships to optimize the overall supply chain.
• Monitor commodity prices, packaging material costs, and market conditions to proactively adjust sourcing strategies and mitigate cost risks.

Supplier Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with packaging suppliers and contract manufacturers to ensure reliable supply, on-time delivery, and continuous improvement in cost and quality.
• Conduct regular supplier performance evaluations, including audits, quality reviews, and negotiations, to ensure high levels of service and compliance.
• Collaborate with suppliers to drive innovation in packaging materials and contract manufacturing processes that enhance the company’s product offerings or improve operational efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and Marketing teams to ensure packaging materials meet design, functionality, and regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with contract manufacturing partners to align production schedules, capacity planning, and quality standards with the company’s production needs.
• Collaborate with logistics and operations teams to ensure packaging materials are aligned with distribution and fulfillment requirements, including e-commerce and retail channels.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Ensure that all sourced packaging materials comply with relevant regulatory and legal standards (e.g., FDA, GMP, CTSCA) and sustainability guidelines.
• Identify potential risks in the supply chain and implement strategies to ensure business continuity.
• Manage contract terms, including service level agreements (SLAs), quality standards, and regulatory compliance requirements with both packaging suppliers and contract manufacturers.

Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cost savings, supplier lead times, quality performance, and delivery metrics.
• Generate regular reports and presentations for senior management, providing insights into category performance, market trends, and supplier management.
• Use data to identify process improvements, cost reductions, and efficiency gains in the supply chain.

Sustainability & Innovation:

• Explore and implement innovative packaging solutions, such as sustainable materials and eco-friendly packaging, to align with the company’s sustainability goals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers and contract manufacturers to enhance product quality, reduce waste, and improve the overall supply chain.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business Administration, Physics, or Mathematics.
• 6-10 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management, with a focus on packaging materials and contract manufacturing services.
• Expertise in supplier negotiations, contract management, and cost optimization strategies.
• Familiarity with packaging materials and technologies, especially in the supplement, food, or pharmaceutical industries.
• Experience working with contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) and external production partners.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
• APICS, CPSM, or CSCP certification.
• Experience with sustainable packaging initiatives or materials.
• Knowledge of global sourcing practices and experience working with international suppliers and contract manufacturers.

Pay, Benefits & Perks:

The estimated salary pay is $130,000 to $145,000. This pay is an estimate, and the exact compensation may vary depending on an applicant's location, skills, prior experience, professional qualifications, and other relevant factors. Additional compensation may also include incentive compensation (i.e. bonus or commission) if applicable.

At Nordic Naturals, ‘step one’ toward achieving our goal of a healthy world is taking care of our family of employees. We offer a comprehensive and attractive benefits program to employees and eligible family members. Our benefits & perks include the following:

• Multiple Health Plan Options
• Dental & Vision
• Dedicated Mental Health & Wellness Plan
• Access to Multiple EAP Plans
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• PTO
• Paid Holidays (9 holidays per year)
• Paid Sabbatical (3 weeks of paid sabbatical after every 5 years of employment)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (employer matches dollar for dollar up to 3%)
• Free Monthly Supplements
• Product Discount Program
• Wellness Coach

Nordic Naturals is an equal opportunity employer. A pre-employment drug screening and background check are conditions of employment.

At Nordic Naturals, we’re committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective nutrients essential to health. Our award-winning omega-3 fish oil and other foundational nutrients are research supported, expertly formulated, rigorously tested, proven effective and, best of all, great tasting. With products for the whole family, we deliver the nutrients essential for healthy living.