Sourcing Category Manager - Packaging

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$86,000.00/yr - $/yr

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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
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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…