Sourcing Category Manager-Packaging

Sourcing Category Manager-Packaging

Join the Visual Pak Companies, a 30‑year growing leader in consumer product packaging. We seek an innovative, dedicated sourcing professional who balances a healthy work/life rhythm while contributing to our high‑performance workforce.

The Sourcing Category Manager executes and manages sourcing strategies for packaging components, materials, and suppliers. Responsibilities include driving supplier relationships, optimizing procurement, ensuring compliance with cost, quality and contractual obligations, improving supply continuity, reducing costs, mitigating risks, and aligning packaging strategies with internal business needs.

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• Develop and manage sourcing strategies for packaging materials and components, including supplier relationships and market analysis, to meet business objectives.
• Lead major supplier negotiations, manage contract development, and ensure compliance with cost, quality, and legal requirements in the packaging category.
• Manage ongoing supplier performance, including quality, delivery, and cost, while addressing any issues with packaging suppliers.
• Identify and implement cost‑reduction and cost‑avoidance initiatives across the packaging category to improve profitability.
• Conduct supplier assessments, implement supplier scorecards, and manage supplier qualification and onboarding for packaging suppliers.
• Lead the RFQ/RFP process for packaging suppliers to reduce the cost of goods sold (COGS) and optimize supplier performance.
• Implement dual sourcing strategies, manage inventory, and monitor supply chain risks and disruptions related to packaging components.
• Work with internal teams to develop category strategies for packaging, resolve raw material issues, and improve supply chain efficiency for packaging components.
• Provide regular and accurate reporting on market conditions, cost changes, and packaging supply chain performance to internal stakeholders.

• Achieve annual cost reduction targets in assigned packaging categories.
• Successfully negotiate improved payment terms and rebate structures with packaging suppliers.
• Maintain optimal supplier relationships and performance standards through vendor scorecards and annual reviews.
• Implement and track savings from sourcing initiatives in the packaging category, achieving COGS reduction goals.
• Meet deadlines for assigned packaging sourcing projects and effectively manage supplier negotiations.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401(k) & 401(k) match
• Pet Insurance
• Paid time‑off & Paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Subsidies
• Childcare Resources and Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program, Disability Insurance, Employee Discounts

• Bachelor’s Degree with emphasis in business, procurement, finance, packaging, or a related field.
• Training in Procurement, Sourcing, E‑Procurement, and online catalog management is a plus.

• Minimum of 5 years of sourcing/purchasing experience in manufacturing, consumer product goods (CPG), or distribution environments with a focus on packaging components.
• Proven track record managing supplier relationships, vendor inventory management, JIT, Lean manufacturing, and supply chain processes for 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, such as cardboard, plastic, flexo printing, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously and manage time and resources under pressure.
• Strong negotiation skills and effective conflict resolution with packaging suppliers.

• Experience with e‑procurement software, reverse and forward auctions, SAP and/or Ariba…