Category Manager

Join to apply for the Category Manager role at Kalon Executive Search for Nutraceuticals, CPG and Wellness.

Global Sourcing Manager – Packaging is responsible for shaping and executing procurement approaches for all packaging components—such as bottles, closures, labels, and cartons—as well as outsourced manufacturing services. The position plays a central role in ensuring that packaging arrives cost‑effectively, on schedule, and at the expected quality level, while also overseeing strategic partnerships with third‑party manufacturers that support the company’s operational scale and long‑term growth.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in strategic procurement, supplier engagement, and contract development within a production‑oriented environment, ideally in the nutrition, food, or pharmaceutical fields.

*** This is a Remote position***.

• Design and roll out procurement plans for packaging items and external manufacturing services that support the organization’s goals for cost efficiency, quality standards, and delivery performance.
• Locate, assess, and approve new suppliers and contract manufacturers, confirming they satisfy all technical, regulatory, and quality criteria.
• Track developments across the packaging and outsourced manufacturing markets and use insights to refine sourcing direction and drive cost improvements.

• Take the lead in negotiating pricing, contract terms, and commercial conditions with packaging providers and contract manufacturers, ensuring agreements support required service and quality expectations.
• Execute initiatives to reduce overall spend—such as streamlining the supplier base, leveraging value‑engineering, and cultivating strategic supplier alliances.
• Keep a pulse on input costs, commodity shifts, and external market forces to proactively adapt sourcing strategies and safeguard against cost volatility.

• Develop productive, long‑term working relationships with packaging vendors and manufacturing partners to ensure dependable supply, consistent delivery, and ongoing improvements in cost and quality.
• Perform routine supplier assessments—including audits, service reviews, and negotiation cycles—to confirm compliance and strengthen performance.
• Collaborate with suppliers to encourage innovation in packaging formulations and outsourced production methods that improve the company’s products or operational effectiveness.

• Work with R&D, Quality, Production, and Marketing groups to verify that packaging materials meet functional, aesthetic, and regulatory expectations.
• Align with contract manufacturing partners on production timing, capacity plans, and quality requirements to support internal demand.
• Partner with logistics and operations teams to ensure packaging specifications support distribution needs for both online and retail channels.

• Confirm that all packaging sourced aligns with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks—such as FDA, GMP, and CTSCA—along with internal sustainability targets.
• Identify weak points within the supply chain and develop mitigation strategies to maintain operational continuity.
• Manage contract requirements, including SLAs, quality commitments, and regulatory obligations for both packaging suppliers and external manufacturers.

• Monitor and examine key procurement metrics, such as cost savings, service lead times, supplier quality, and delivery performance.
• Prepare regular updates and presentations for leadership that highlight category results, market conditions, and supplier‑related insights.
• Leverage data to uncover opportunities for process improvements, improved efficiency, and additional savings.

• Investigate and implement environmentally responsible packaging solutions and materials aligned with the company’s sustainability objectives.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners to continually refine quality, minimize waste, and elevate the overall performance of the supply…