Global Category Lead* Packaging

DAW SE Germany; Germany (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading packaging firm seeks a Procurement Specialist to develop global category strategies for rigid packaging, including plastic buckets and metal containers. The ideal candidate holds a degree in Business or Engineering and has 7-10 years of procurement experience, including global expertise. Key responsibilities include leading negotiations, analyzing market trends, and ensuring compliance with sustainability initiatives. This role requires strong analytical skills and excellent communication abilities.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of procurement experience, with at least 3 years at a global or regional level.
• Knowledge of plastics, metals, coatings, and packaging manufacturing technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global category strategies for rigid packaging.
• Lead global negotiations and manage contracts for competitive pricing.
• Act as the central expert for rigid packaging partnering with Product Management, R&D, Marketing, Operations, and Quality.
• Analyze global market trends and drive improvements in cost, quality, and sustainability.
• Drive sustainability and regulatory compliance initiatives for rigid packaging.

Skills

Strategic mindset

Hands-on problem solving skills

Cross-functional team leadership

Analytical skills

Project management strengths

Excellent communication skills

Fluency in English

Education

University degree in Business, Economics, Supply Chain, or Engineering

MBA or MS (preferred)

Job description

What you can expect:

• You develop and execute global category strategies for rigid packaging such as plastic buckets, tin cans, and metal containers, including governance models, bundling, tenders, and long‑term sourcing roadmaps.
• You lead global negotiations and manage contracts to secure competitive pricing, reliable supply, and strong supplier performance.
• You act as the central expert for rigid packaging and closely partner with Product Management, R&D, Marketing, Operations, and Quality to support innovation and product development.
• You analyze global market trends in plastics and metals, assess supplier performance, and drive improvements in cost, quality, and sustainability.
• You foster supplier‑driven innovation in packaging materials, designs, and manufacturing technologies to support product development and cost optimization.
• You drive sustainability and regulatory compliance initiatives for rigid packaging, including recyclability, material reduction, and alignment with global packaging regulations.
• You provide functional leadership to global procurement teams, ensuring alignment, knowledge sharing, and consistent execution.

What you bring with you:

• You hold a university degree in Business, Economics, Supply Chain, or Engineering; an MBA or MS is preferred.
• You have 7–10 years of procurement experience, including at least 3 years at a global or regional level.
• You bring valuable knowledge of plastics, metals, coatings, and packaging manufacturing technologies; this would be highly beneficial.
• You combine a strategic mindset with hands‑on problem‑solving skills.
• You are able to lead cross‑functional teams in a matrix environment.
• You are a strategic thinker with analytical and project‑management strength.
• You demonstrate excellent communication skills and are fluent in English.