Direct Materials Procurement, Category Manager II, Paper Board and Substrates

RR Donnelley & Sons; Warrenville (IL); On-site; USD 79,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

RR Donnelley & Sons in Warrenville, IL seeks an experienced Procurement Specialist to develop category strategies for direct materials, reducing total cost of ownership while ensuring supply continuity. You will collaborate with stakeholders, analyze data, and manage supplier relationships to drive cost improvements and risk mitigation.

The role requires 5+ years in direct materials procurement, a BA/BS in business management or supply chain, and familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP).

Qualifications

• 5+ years of strategic experience in direct materials procurement.
• In-depth knowledge of folding carton board and substrate (plastics) applications and specifications.
• Bachelor degree in business management or supply chain.
• Demonstrated ability to build strategic partnerships and collaborate across multiple internal teams and with suppliers.
• Familiarity with enterprise ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP).

Responsibilities

• Develop, communicate and implement strategies for assigned categories.
• Build relationships to partner with key internal stakeholders to understand strategic direction and business priorities.
• Achieve business requirements while effectively capturing value (e.g. cost improvements, risk mitigation, supply continuity, cost avoidance, process improvements, supplier management).
• Develop and sustain strategic relationships with key suppliers.
• Research, evaluate and qualify new suppliers as business needs require and to ensure competitive advantages.
• Evaluate supplier core competencies and competitive positioning using cost models and benchmarking tools.
• Ability to conduct successful market analysis, sourcing events, negotiations, and contract execution.
• Negotiate supplier agreements with KPI, SLA, appropriate price protection, and continuous improvement efficiencies.
• Additional responsibilities as required to achieve business objectives.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Supplier relationships

Data analysis

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in business management or supply chain

Tools

SAP

Job description

Company Description

RRD provides a complete portfolio of marketing, packaging, print and business services to the world's most respected brands, including 92% of the Fortune 100. The company's proprietary technology, advanced data analytics and established expertise fuel organizational decision-making, from strategy through execution. With operations in 30 countries and over 35,000 employees, global organizations and regulated industries trust RRD to reduce complexity and drive audience connections across the entire customer journey.

Job Description

This role reports to the Director of Paper Services on the Direct Materials Procurement team and will be responsible for developing category strategies supporting our packaging, retail, and commercial print plants. This role will work closely with business stakeholders to understand business priorities to develop and execute category strategies to reduce total cost of ownership and ensure supply continuity.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for developing, communicating and implementing strategies for assigned categories
• Build relationships to partner with key internal stakeholders to understand strategic direction and business priorities in order to develop and execute effective strategies to achieve business objectives
• Achieve business requirements while effectively capturing value (i.e. cost improvements, risk mitigation, supply continuity, cost avoidance, process improvements, supplier management)
• Develop and sustain strategic relationships with key suppliers
• Research, evaluate and qualify new suppliers as business needs require and to ensure competitive advantages
• Evaluate supplier core competencies and competitive positioning using cost models and benchmarking tools
• Ability to conduct successful market analysis, sourcing events, negotiations, and contract execution
• Negotiate supplier agreements with Key Performance Indicators (KPI), Service Level Agreements (SLA), appropriate price protection, and continuous improvement efficiencies
• Additional responsibilities as required to achieve business objectives

Qualifications

• 5+ years of strategic experience in direct materials procurement required
• An in-depth knowledge of folding carton board and substrate (plastics) applications and specifications required
• Bachelor degree in business management or supply chain required
• Demonstrated ability to build strategic partnerships and collaborate across multiple internal teams and with suppliers
• Project management experience with high volume throughput
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and identify potential opportunities that align with strategies
• Excellent communication skills with ability to respond to sensitive issues with professionalism
• Proficient in Google (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Able to travel occasionally as needed to support business requirements
• Familiarity with specific grades and calipers: SBS (Solid Bleached Sulfate), CUK/SUS (Coated Unbleached Kraft), CRB/WLC (Recycled Board), containerboard, and synthetic/rigid plastic substrates (polystyrene, polypropylene, PET, PVC).
• Understanding of mill vs. merchant/converter distribution dynamics, lead times, allocation management, and converting plant yield/waste factors.
• Experience establishing and running formal Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), supplier scorecards
• Collaboration with Plant Operations, Estimating and other key stakeholders
• Familiarity with enterprise ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP)

Additional Information

RRD's current salary range for this role is $78,700to $125900 / year. The salary range may be adjusted based on the applicable geographic location of the hired employee, and the range may change in the future. At RRD, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions may vary based upon, but not limited to education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift and location. Depending on the role, in addition to base salary, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. RRD's benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts.

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RRD is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans

At RRD, we value innovation, authenticity, and integrity. To uphold the security and fairness of our hiring process, we ask that candidates refrain from using AI tools during interviews to ensure an authentic and secure experience. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to maintain a transparent and equitable hiring process.

All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of both a pre-employment background and drug screen.