Procurement Lead, Packaging - Paper

Job Description

Job Purpose

As the Group Lead for Paper Packaging Procurement, you will play a crucial role in leading and developing the North American Zone Paper Packaging Procurement team. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and developing a team of three people across the folding cartons, corrugated, and label packaging categories and a spend of over $600MM. The ideal candidate will have a strong procurement background, leading teams, developing category sourcing strategy, supplier negotiations, supplier relationship management, cost modeling skills, strong stakeholder alignment and influencing skills, and exceptional communication, organizational, and people‑management skills.

This candidate will also possess expertise in ensuring the company’s packaging needs are met while minimizing costs and ensuring the quality of paper packaging materials for our food and beverage products.

• Lead, manage, and develop a team of three people, providing guidance, coaching, and support to ensure individual and team success, and fostering a positive, inclusive, and productive team culture.
• Work closely with Global Procurement to ensure alignment on procurement strategies and initiatives.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally and with category managers to develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for resin packaging materials, aligning with business objectives and ensuring continuity of supply.
• Build and maintain relationships with existing and new suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage performance to ensure quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Drive value for the business through identifying and implementing cost‑saving initiatives such as supplier consolidation, process improvements, improved payment terms, risk mitigation, and innovative packaging solutions.
• Mitigate risks associated with resin packaging procurement, including supply chain disruptions, quality issues, tariffs, and substance of interest.
• Work closely with cross‑functional teams, including R&D, Operations, and Quality Assurance, to ensure packaging meets product requirements and regulatory standards.
• Analyze market trends, supplier performance, and spend data to inform strategic decisions and optimize procurement processes.
• Manage inflation, drive productivity, set paper packaging procurement budgets, and ensure alignment with business objectives and financial targets.
• Champion Kraft Heinz organizational values and help drive our procurement vision.

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, finance, business, marketing, or equivalent. MBA and advanced procurement qualifications are preferred.
• At least 8+ years of procurement experience, with a minimum of 5‑7 years of direct procurement experience.
• Strong business acumen, supplier relationship management, influencing skills, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Results‑oriented, adept at solving complex challenges and dealing with ambiguity; anticipates and adjusts to problems and obstacles.
• Creates and manages individual development plans to support career growth and advancement, and provides regular feedback, coaching, and mentoring to team members.
• Proven project management and solid analytical, consultative, and diagnostic skills; able to make sound, data‑driven business decisions.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and understanding of source‑to‑pay tools (SAP, Ariba, Workday, etc.).

• Lead and manage a team of three procurement professionals responsible for paper packaging procurement.
• Develop and execute strategic procurement plans for paper packaging materials.
• Manage and maintain relationships with 50 suppliers, negotiating contracts, pricing, and terms.
• Oversee the management of over 7,000 resource codes, ensuring accuracy and process improvements.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure seamless integration of procurement strategies.
• Analyze market trends, industry developments, and supplier performance to identify opportunities for cost savings and innovation.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and…