Sourcing Category Manager - Packaging

The Visual Pak Companies; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 86,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

Tuition assistance

Disability insurance

Job summary

A packaging solutions provider in Waukegan, IL is seeking a Sourcing Category Manager. Responsible for managing sourcing strategies for packaging materials, optimizing procurement, and supplier relationships, the role demands at least 5 years of experience in sourcing within manufacturing or consumer goods. This full-time position offers a competitive salary between $86,000 and $129,000 annually and emphasizes negotiation skills and cost optimization strategies.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of sourcing/purchasing experience in manufacturing or CPG.
• Experience in managing supplier relationships and contracts.
• Knowledge of packaging testing and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage sourcing strategies for packaging materials.
• Lead supplier negotiations and ensure compliance with contracts.
• Identify and implement cost-reduction initiatives.

Skills

Supplier relationship management

Negotiation skills

Cost optimization

Project management

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in business, procurement, finance, packaging, or related field

Tools

SAP

Ariba procurement software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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The Visual Pak Companies provided pay range

This range is provided by The Visual Pak Companies. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$86,000.00/yr - $129,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from The Visual Pak Companies

Visual Pak Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visual Pak does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, gender (orientation or identification), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis covered by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, skills, individual performance, and business needs.

Position Purpose/Summary:

The Sourcing Category Manager is responsible for executing and managing sourcing strategies for packaging components, materials, and suppliers. This role includes driving supplier relationships, optimizing packaging procurement, and ensuring compliance with cost, quality, and contractual obligations. The individual will work to improve supply continuity, reduce costs, and mitigate risks related to packaging supply chains and market conditions. This position will also collaborate with internal teams to develop and manage packaging strategies aligned with the company's needs.

Direct Reports:

• NA

Knowledge-Skills-Abilities

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree with emphasis in business, procurement, finance, packaging, or related field.
• Training in Procurement, Sourcing, E-Procurement, and online catalog management a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of Sourcing/Purchasing experience in a Manufacturing, Consumer Product Goods (CPG), or Distribution environment, with a focus on packaging components (e.g., retail packaging, flexo packaging, corrugated cartons, etc.).
• Proven track record in managing supplier relationships, including vendor inventory management, Just-In-Time (JIT), Lean manufacturing, and supply chain processes related to packaging.
• 5+ years of experience negotiating and managing supplier contracts, including RFQ/RFP processes, supplier performance, and cost optimization for packaging categories.
• Knowledge of packaging testing (ISTA), supplier qualification, auditing, and packaging specifications for CPG companies, retailers, and dot-com customers.
• Familiarity with packaging materials, design, and production processes (e.g., cardboard, plastic, flexo printing, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously and effectively manage time and resources under pressure.
• Proven ability to execute cost reduction strategies and identify cost-avoidance opportunities within the packaging supply chain.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to resolve conflicts effectively with packaging suppliers.

Technology/Software (years):

Experience with e procurement software, reverse and forward auctions, SAP and/or Ariba procurement software, ERP system support – vendor set up. Able to load systems with supplier pricing and setting of material standards for each fiscal year.

Advanced PC skills: Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, also Adobe Illustrator, digital photography, and file management. Capable of doing complex Excel spread sheets with spend data analytics.

Communication:

Excellent writing and verbal skills. Proficient with chemical technical terminology.

Great inter-personal communication skills, team player, cross functional leader.

Strong reporting skills, timely, and thorough. Has financial acumen to support meaningful reporting.

Needs to have excellence in the quality of work with accuracy in all aspects of communication.

Able to communicate chemical needs and requirements for Visual Pak Companies through the sharing of specifications, instructions, and methods of supply. Can clearly articulate supply chain needs and quality requirements to suppliers

Physical Capabilities:

• Ability to lift at least 20 lbs. regularly.
• Repetitive typing and mouse usage.

Movement (standing, stopping, sitting, crouching, crawling):

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time while typing.

Hearing (loud noise tolerance, quiet work area, public speaking, receive work direction):

• Must be able to hear, understand, and communicate work direction in a loud, distracting environment.

Vision (judge distance, read signs, extended computer work, identify details):

• Must be able to work for extended periods in front of multiple computer screens.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Travel: 10%

Vehicle (own): able to commute to office and plant locations

An individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

All duties as assigned and the following specific activities.

• Sourcing Strategy: Develop and manage sourcing strategies for packaging materials and components, including supplier relationships and market analysis, to meet business objectives.
• Negotiation & Contracts: Lead major supplier negotiations, manage contract development, and ensure compliance with cost, quality, and legal requirements in the packaging category.
• Supplier Performance: Manage ongoing supplier performance, including quality, delivery, and cost, while addressing any issues that arise with packaging suppliers.
• Cost Optimization: Identify and implement cost-reduction and cost-avoidance initiatives across the packaging category to improve profitability.
• Supplier Evaluation: Conduct supplier assessments, implement supplier scorecards, and manage supplier qualification and onboarding for packaging suppliers.
• RFQ/RFP Process: Lead the RFQ/RFP process for packaging suppliers to reduce the cost of goods sold (COGS) and optimize supplier performance.
• Supply Continuity: Implement dual sourcing strategies, manage inventory, and monitor supply chain risks and disruptions related to packaging components.
• Collaboration: Work with internal teams to develop category strategies for packaging, resolve raw material issues, and improve supply chain efficiency for packaging components.
• Reporting: Provide regular and accurate reporting on market conditions, cost changes, and packaging supply chain performance to internal stakeholders.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Achieve annual cost reduction targets in assigned packaging categories.
• Successfully negotiate improved payment terms and rebate structures with packaging suppliers.
• Maintain optimal supplier relationships and performance standards through vendor scorecards and annual reviews.
• Implement and track savings from sourcing initiatives in the packaging category, achieving COGS reduction goals.
• Meet deadlines for assigned packaging sourcing projects and manage supplier negotiations effectively.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Management
• Industries

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Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

Tuition assistance

Disability insurance

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