Category Manager Packaging Procurement

Overview

Who we are? As the world's largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide.

• CAP employees make a meaningful difference by partnering with colleagues customers and members on challenging and rewarding work
• CAP provides its employees with an energetic and collaborative work environment and encourage opportunities to further develop their skills—offering reimbursement for educational programs and participation in events that enhance your skills
• We offer a generous compensation and benefits package, 401K, and more — visit Careers at the CAP for more details

The Category Manager, Packaging is responsible for:

Developing and executing category strategies for packaging materials and related services that support the organization’s operational and customer needs. This role manages the end-to-end strategic sourcing and supplier management activities across the packaging category while driving cost optimization, supply assurance, quality improvement, sustainability initiatives, and innovation.

The Category Manager partners closely with cross-functional stakeholders across Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Product Development, Marketing, and Finance to align packaging strategies with business objectives and enhance the overall member and customer experience.

This role also serves as a subject matter expert for packaging procurement, leveraging market intelligence, cost modeling, and supplier collaboration to deliver measurable value.

• Category Strategy & Procurement Leadership
• Develop and execute multi-year category strategies for packaging materials including corrugate, thermal packaging, EPS, protective packaging, custom labeling/branding, and cold-chain packaging solutions.
• Own category roadmaps that balance cost, quality, service, innovation, and sustainability objectives.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives including RFP/RFQ processes, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract execution.
• Utilize Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) modeling, should-cost analysis, and market benchmarking to drive procurement decisions and supplier negotiations.
• Identify and onboard qualified domestic and international suppliers to strengthen the supply base and improve resilience.

• Lead supplier relationship management including quarterly business reviews (QBRs), supplier scorecards, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Monitor supplier performance related to cost, service, quality, delivery, and risk.
• Develop supplier innovation partnerships to advance packaging design optimization, sustainability improvements, and operational efficiencies.
• Manage supplier risk assessments and develop contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply for critical packaging materials.

• Monitor relevant market indicators including corrugate, EPS, resin, and freight indices to inform negotiation strategies and pricing models.
• Identify and implement opportunities for cost reduction, packaging optimization, and supply base rationalization.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to reduce packaging waste, improve cube utilization, and drive sustainability initiatives.

• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, R&D/Product Development, Finance, and Marketing to define packaging specifications and forecast requirements.
• Support product launches and operational initiatives requiring new packaging solutions.
• Provide guidance and expertise on packaging design, material selection, and supplier capabilities.

• Lead the contract lifecycle management process for packaging suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, supplier agreements, and organizational governance standards.
• Partner with contract management teams to ensure supplier…