Category Manager Packaging Procurement

Category Manager Packaging Procurement

This is a high-impact, strategic procurement role for an experienced packaging professional who wants to shape category strategy, influence cross-functional decisions, and deliver measurable business value. You will own the packaging category end to end—strategy, sourcing, supplier partnerships, cost optimization, and innovation—while directly supporting operational excellence, customer experience, and sustainability goals. If you thrive in a role where you are expected to lead, not just execute, and where your packaging expertise is valued as a strategic capability, this role is designed for you.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

• Category Strategy & Procurement Leadership
• Supplier Relationship & Performance Management
• Cost Optimization & Market Intelligence
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Contracting, Procurement, Governance & Continuous Improvement

Key Relationships - Supplier executives and operational leaders Procurement and supply chain teams Operations, Quality, R&D/Product Development, Finance, and Marketing stakeholders Organizational leadership and committee staff

Core Competencies Strategic category management and sourcing expertise Advanced negotiation and supplier relationship management Strong analytical and financial acumen Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities Technical Skills Strategic sourcing methodologies including TCO modeling and should-cost analysis Supplier performance management and risk assessment Market intelligence and commodity tracking Experience with ERP and e-sourcing platforms Ability to build dashboards and category KPI reporting

Education/Experience/

Certifications:

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Operations, or related field required 5+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management Direct experience sourcing packaging materials and packaging suppliers strongly preferred CPSM or equivalent certification preferred

10-20% travel required including, but not limited to supplier audits and trade shows This position is based out of the Northfield, IL office. Candidates must reside within 75 miles of the Northfield headquarters and meet in-office requirements. Salary Range: $87,000 - $118,000

Equal Opportunity Employer The CAP is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, age, ancestry, disability or genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship status, order of protection status, homelessness, or any other characteristic protected by federal law and the applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
Family and Medical Leave Act Equal Employment Opportunity Employee Polygraph Protection Act