Strategic Sourcing Commodity Manager-Packagin

Socket.dev; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Commodity Manager–Packaging to lead sourcing strategies for packaging materials like corrugated, films, labels, and cartons. You will collaborate with NPD, Quality, and Operations to ensure packaging meets food safety, quality, and performance requirements.

The role emphasizes cost competitiveness, supply continuity, risk management, and supplier performance through KPIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• +7 years of experience in food manufacturing preferred.
• Knowledge of procurement strategy and execution and supplier management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for packaging materials.
• Lead supplier negotiations and contracting processes.
• Monitor packaging market trends, cost drivers, and regulatory changes.
• Collaborate with NPD, Quality, and Operations to ensure packaging compliance.
• Manage supplier performance through KPIs and scorecards.
• Optimize supply chain lead times and inventory planning.
• Develop category plans aligned with business strategy.
• Provide insight-based analysis of organizational needs and supplier markets.
• Support S&OP and budgeting with procurement cost inputs.
• Maintain reporting and documentation for sourcing activities and compliance.
• Ensure pricing accuracy; manage vendor claims and price variances.
• Build strategic supplier relationships for reliability and value.
• Collaborate with production to ensure food safety and quality.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Vendor Management

Contracts Management

Demand Forecasting

Inventory Management

Negotiation

Procurement

Supplier Management

Regulatory Compliance

Economic Research

Strategic Sourcing

Strategic Thinking

Business Acumen

Communication Skills

Collaboration

Emotional Intelligence

Adaptability

Teamwork

Integrity

Operational Excellence

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Scope of Job:The Strategic Sourcing Commodity Manager–Packaging is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for packaging materials (e.g., corrugated, films, labels, cartons, and related components) that align with business objectives and ensure cost competitiveness, quality, and supply continuity. This role requires strong market insight into packaging supply chains, sustainability trends, and risk management to support long-term planning and operational needs. Responsibilities include leading structured supplier negotiations and contracting, collaborating with internal stakeholders to define material, quality, and service requirements, and monitoring supplier performance through KPIs and scorecards. The manager also evaluates new sources, technologies, and vendors to maintain a reliable and innovative packaging supply base.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement category strategies for packaging materials, leveraging market intelligence, sustainability initiatives, and supplier analytics.
• Lead supplier negotiations and contracting processes using structured approaches (RFPs, negotiation tactics, cost analysis) to achieve cost savings and mitigate risk.
• Monitor packaging market trends, raw material cost drivers, and regulatory changes (e.g., recyclability, labeling requirements) to inform sourcing decisions.
• Collaborate with NPD, Quality, and Operations to ensure packaging compliance with food safety, quality standards, and functional performance requirements.
• Manage supplier performance through KPIs and scorecards, including delivery reliability, compliance, sustainability, and innovation opportunities.
• Optimize supply chain lead times and inventory planning to meet production schedules while minimizing obsolescence and waste.
• Develop category plans aligned with business strategy to deliver competitive advantage and support packaging innovation and cost optimization.
• Provide insight-based analysis of organizational needs and supplier markets to identify sourcing opportunities and mitigate risk.
• Support S&OP and budgeting processes by providing procurement cost inputs, delivery timelines, and risk assessments for packaging categories.
• Maintain accurate reporting and documentation for sourcing activities, supplier management, and compliance, including approved supplier lists and supply base consolidation.
• Ensure compliance with pricing, master data, and invoice accuracy; manage vendor claims and resolve price variances for packaging purchases.
• Build strategic supplier relationships that enhance reliability, sustainability, and long-term value for packaging sourcing programs.
• Collaborate with production and supporting departments to ensure the food safety and quality of our products.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education:Bachelor’s degree required

Experience: +7 years of experience in food manufacturing preferred. Overall knowledge and understanding and impacts of procurement strategy and execution to broader business.

Competencies: Vendor Management, Contracts Management & Administration, Demand Forecasting, Inventory Management, Negotiation, Procurement, Supplier Management, Regulatory Compliance, Economic Research, Strategic Sourcing, Strategic Thinking, Business Acumen, Strong Communication Skills, Collaborative, Emotional Intelligence, Adaptable, Teamwork, Integrity, and Operational Excellence.

Physical Requirements:Requires prolonged sitting and continuous use of computer. May lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 10 lbs. Current expectation is to be in the office a minimum of 4 days per week. May require occasional travel to vendors, external shows, production sites, etc.