Global Packaging Category Lead

Magna International Limited; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna Exteriors is seeking a Category Lead, Packaging NA to drive the development and execution of packaging strategy across North America and beyond. You will lead supplier relations, RFIs/RFQs, and cross-functional initiatives to reduce total cost while improving quality and logistics efficiency.

The role requires deep packaging procurement experience, leadership ability, and strong analytics using Power BI and Excel. Travel up to 25% is expected.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Work Experience: Minimum 6 years of experience in packaging procurement, packaging engineering, supply chain, logistics, manufacturing, or related automotive operations. Minimum 4+ years of leadership experience with demonstrated progression and category ownership.
• Experience sourcing and managing packaging commodities including returnable containers, expendable packaging, pallets, racks, dunnage, corrugate, and packaging services.
• Strong understanding of OEM packaging requirements, automotive supply chains, material flow, and logistics principles.
• Experience leading packaging optimization and transportation density improvement projects.
• Proven success negotiating commercial agreements and managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Demonstrated experience with cost reduction initiatives, value engineering, and total landed cost analysis.
• Experience working with Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs in a competitive automotive environment.
• Knowledge of launch processes, packaging validation requirements, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Travel up to 25%, including international travel as required.
• Skills/Special Knowledge: Sourcing Strategy, Finance, International Sourcing, Total Landed Cost, Make-vs-Buy, and Cost Modeling experience highly preferred.
• Very strong PC skills required along with knowledge and experience with data analysis tools such as Power BI and Microsoft Office (especially Excel).
• Executive Presence
• Effective communication and presentation skills

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain global packaging category strategies aligned with Magna Exteriors business objectives.
• Oversee divisional sourcing and lead group activities for returnable packaging, expendable packaging, pallets, racks, dunnage, totes, corrugate, bulk containers, and packaging-related services.
• Develop bidder lists and execute RFIs, RFQs, and sourcing events in alignment with engineering, operational, and OEM packaging requirements.
• Negotiate and manage supplier pricing, commercial agreements, service contracts, and long-term strategic partnerships.
• Oversee division level QCA and CERF submissions to validate alignment with commodity strategies and cost efficiency targets.
• Partner with Packaging Engineering, Manufacturing, and Logistics teams to identify opportunities for packaging optimization, standardization, and transportation efficiency.
• Support packaging cost reduction initiatives through material optimization, design improvements, freight density enhancements, and supplier consolidation.
• Work with Group Packaging Engineer to support development of packaging standards and best practices across divisions to improve quality, operational efficiency, and cost performance.
• Monitor market conditions and trends affecting packaging commodities, including corrugate, resin, lumber, steel, recycled materials, and reusable transport packaging.
• Collaborate with Magna International and cross-group category teams to maximize leverage through enterprise agreements and best practice sharing.
• Drive sustainability initiatives including reusable packaging expansion, waste reduction, recycled content utilization, and circular economy initiatives.
• Develop and present value-based sourcing recommendations and business cases to sourcing councils and leadership teams.
• Track category performance, supplier performance, savings projects, capital investments, and financial results on a monthly and quarterly basis.
• Lead cross-functional teams to identify, assess, select, and implement innovative packaging solutions that improve operational performance and reduce total cost.
• Promote supplier innovation and emerging technologies that improve packaging efficiency, automation readiness, and environmental performance.
• Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Sourcing Strategy

Finance

International Sourcing

Total Landed Cost

Make-vs-Buy

Cost Modeling

Power BI

Excel

Executive Presence

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Power BI

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Magna Exteriors is seeking a Category Lead, Packaging NA to drive the development and execution of packaging strategy across North America and beyond. You will lead supplier relations, RFIs/RFQs, and cross-functional initiatives to reduce total cost while improving quality and logistics efficiency.

The role requires deep packaging procurement experience, leadership ability, and strong analytics using Power BI and Excel. Travel up to 25% is expected.