Category Sourcing Lead - Ingredients and Packaging

Brown-Forman Australia Pty. Ltd.; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equitable pay structures

Holiday bonus

Premium benefits package

Job summary

A global spirits company is seeking a Category Sourcing Lead - Ingredients and Packaging to lead procurement operations. This role focuses on market analysis, supplier negotiations, and delivering value through strategic relationships. The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree and have 4+ years of experience in sourcing within the beverage or food sectors. This position is in-office Monday to Thursday at the Louisville, Kentucky headquarters, with remote flexibility on Fridays.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years sourcing and supply-chain experience in a consumer-goods environment.
• Ability to travel to suppliers and bottling facilities (up to 10%).
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse global teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing market analysis and value delivery.
• Assist in the development of global category strategies.
• Negotiate commercial agreements and manage supplier relationships.
• Architect equitable, ethical, and strategic supplier relationships, serving as the primary contact for suppliers in designated categories.
• Negotiate commercial agreements and resolve supplier disputes.
• Lead supplier development efforts, maintaining KPIs and onboarding/renewal processes.
• Partner with Global Supplier Quality to ensure specifications and standards are met.
• Execute cost-reduction strategies and leverage spend systems to maximize financial efficiency.
• Oversee site-level tactical execution on pricing, timing, and vendor selection to production facilities.
• Manage administrative functions, including PO processing and system maintenance.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work in fast-moving environment

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance or related field

CPSM / equivalent certification

Job description

Category Sourcing Lead - Ingredients and Packaging

We believe great people build great brands. And we know there is Nothing Better in the Market than a career at Brown‑Forman. Being a part of Brown‑Forman means you will grow both personally and professionally, solving problems, seizing opportunities, and generating bold ideas in a collaborative environment.

Join our team as a Category Sourcing Manager Lead – Ingredients and Packaging, leading ingredient and packaging procurement in spirits manufacturing operations. The role focuses on driving market analysis, mitigating risks, and delivering value through strategic supplier relationships. Responsibilities include negotiating and implementing commercial agreements, resolving supplier disputes, and coordinating regional and local sourcing efforts, while supporting strategic sourcing strategies and leveraging financial systems to optimize procurement processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing market analysis, risk mitigation, and value delivery for designated categories.

• Assist in the development and implementation of global category strategies, aligning with R&D, Packaging, and Global Supplier Quality.

• Lead sourcing activities to support New Product Development (NPD) and acquired brands.

• Architect equitable, ethical, and strategic supplier relationships, serving as the primary point of contact for suppliers in designated categories.

• Negotiate commercial agreements and resolve supplier disputes.

• Lead supplier development efforts, maintaining key performance metrics (KPIs) and consistent onboarding/renewal processes.

• Partner with Global Supplier Quality to ensure all specifications and standards are met or exceeded.

• Execute effective cost‑reduction strategies and leverage spend systems to maximize financial efficiency.

• Oversee tactical execution at the site level, providing direction on pricing, timing, and vendor selection to production facilities.

• Manage necessary administrative functions, including PO processing and system maintenance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance or a related field; or CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) / equivalent certification, with a minimum of 4 years sourcing and supply‑chain experience (including at least 4 years in sourcing) preferably in a beverage, food or consumer‑goods commodity‑driven environment.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to persuade, motivate and secure support for key ideas and initiatives through persuasive discussions and clear, concise presentations.

• Capability to work in a fast‑moving environment and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.

• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse global teams.

• Strong analytical and investigative/root‑cause skills, providing tactical and strategic support to the department and global organization.

• Excellent organization skills with meticulous attention to detail.

• Ability to travel to suppliers and bottling facilities (up to 10 %).

Working Arrangement

In‑office at the Brown‑Forman Louisville, Kentucky Corporate Headquarters Monday to Thursday, with flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.

Benefits & Compensation

Total Rewards at Brown‑Forman is designed to engage our people to ensure sustainable and profitable growth for generations to come. We offer equitable pay structures, base salary, holiday bonus, incentives, and a range of premium benefits that reflect our values and meet the needs of our diverse workforce.

EEO Statement

Brown‑Forman Corporation is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. It is the policy of Brown‑Forman Corporation to provide full and equal employment opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected status.