Category Buyer

On July 1, 2025, IPL Plastics merged with Schoeller Allibert to form IPL Schoeller. The company operates 11 manufacturing plants in North America and 16 in Europe, with headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. IPL Schoeller is a leading manufacturer of sustainable rigid packaging solutions for returnable transit, consumer, industrial, environmental, and agricultural markets, employing approximately 4,100 people globally.

About the role

We are seeking a Category Buyer to support strategic sourcing and procurement activities for plastic materials and related products. In this role, you will help drive cost-effective purchasing decisions, manage supplier relationships, and support category strategy initiatives that align with business objectives. You will collaborate closely with Procurement, Supply Chain, Planning, Inventory, Quality, and Product Development teams to ensure a reliable supply of materials while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and mitigate risk.

Responsibilities

• Manage the purchase order lifecycle from requisition through receipt, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.
• Support sourcing initiatives, supplier selection activities, and contract negotiations.
• Assist with the preparation, issuance, and evaluation of RFPs and RFQs.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, monitor performance, and address supply-related issues.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Planning, Inventory, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders to align procurement activities with operational needs.
• Support the development and execution of category management strategies focused on cost savings, quality, and risk reduction.
• Analyze procurement data and prepare reports to identify trends, supplier performance, and improvement opportunities.
• Partner with supply chain teams to optimize procurement processes and improve efficiency.
• Continuously evaluate and improve procurement processes and best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of procurement and supply chain processes.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and supporting sourcing initiatives.
• Ability to analyze data, identify opportunities, and make informed recommendations.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.
• Experience with ERP systems; IFS experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices and principles preferred.
• Familiarity with Lean methodologies is advantageous.
• Willingness to travel as needed.