MRO Category Manager

Why Choose Us
Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple industries including food service, restaurant delivery, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. We provide customers a broad array of stock and customized solutions with 120 product categories, 250 brands and over 39,000 SKUs.

Implements and executes the strategy for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations categories, ensuring reliable supply, cost optimization, and operational continuity. Partners cross-functionally to manage suppliers, negotiate contracts, standardize spend, and deliver measurable value at scale.

This is an on-site role based in either Lake Forest, IL or Charlotte, NC.

• Implement and execute MRO category strategies to optimize cost, quality, and supply continuity.
• Own supplier selection, negotiations, contracts, and performance management.
• Drive spend visibility, standardization, and post-merger or multi-site synergies.
• Partner across organizational functions to implement programs enterprise-wide, supporting operational continuity, safety, and scalable execution.
• Identify and deliver cost‑savings and efficiency opportunities at scale.
• Manage risk, ensure compliance, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Define and execute Ariba and punchout catalog strategies to improve compliance, user experience, and guided buying adoption.
• Partner across organizational functions to support MRO inventory strategy, governance, and end‑to‑end inventory processes.
• Provide support to operations in implementing standard MRO processes across the organization.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 6–8 years of experience in MRO or indirect spend category management, preferably in large, complex organizations.
• Proven track record of delivering measurable cost savings, operational improvements, and post‑merger synergy realization.
• Strong experience with Ariba, Coupa, SAP punchout catalogs, e‑procurement systems, and guided buying strategies.
• Expertise in supplier management, contract negotiations, and performance optimization.
• Hands‑on experience supporting MRO inventory strategy, standard process implementation, and enterprise‑wide program execution.
• Exceptional cross‑functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to leverage data to drive decisions and identify opportunities.
• Strong understanding of risk management, compliance, and continuous improvement methodologies.

A reasonable estimate of the current range is $102,800 – 171,300 + bonus + benefits. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. At Novolex, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The benefits for this role include 401(k) plan with company match, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, paid vacation, sick days, paid parental leave, paid holidays, and a wellness program.

With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well‑being as an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a variety of other well‑being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well‑being programs may vary depending on where you work.

At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility‑level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.

We offer constant…