Category Manager, Strategic Sourcing, Packaging

About the role

We are seeking an experienced sourcing manager to join our Packaging Strategic Procurement team. In this role you will develop and execute sourcing strategies to improve cost structure, product quality, supply chain reliability, and support innovation through new product development. You will own SKU ideation and onboarding, vendor selection and relationships, price negotiations and contract management, budgetary planning, and continuously improve the end‑to‑end sourcing process. You will help drive the strategy and framework for how the business interacts with its supplier base and have a direct stake in affecting bottom‑line profitability.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of assigned categories to develop and optimize the supply network.
• Refine and implement a sourcing and supply chain strategy for selected categories that optimizes process, reduces risk, and improves cost structure.
• Build and maintain a strong supplier base aligned with company values; own relationships with strategic suppliers, including performance management and innovation activities.
• Manage cost‑savings initiatives through the strategic sourcing process to meet targeted budget.
• Leverage large internal datasets and industry benchmarks (market, supplier, SKU analysis) to drive continuous improvement, identify cost‑reduction opportunities, and implement best practices.
• Develop a culture of continuous improvement through data‑driven reporting and effective project management to identify and drive quality improvement opportunities.
• Onboard new vendors and new SKUs to drive cost savings and improve customer experience.
• Proactively manage quality specifications and potential issues that might impact ingredient standards.
• Work with the Procurement Operations Team to set execution plans and develop best practices for tracking contract compliance by vendors.

Qualifications

• Data‑driven: able to organize, explore, and synthesize unstructured data into actionable insights.
• Intellectually curious: insatiable desire to understand how and why things work, identify data‑driven insights, and challenge the status quo.
• Detail‑oriented with strong organizational skills and a methodical approach.
• Self‑starter: highly motivated, passionate, and eager to take on new projects.
• Agile: thrives in fast‑paced, dynamic environments and works autonomously.
• Critical thinker: uses logic to identify opportunities, evaluate alternatives, and synthesize information to solve complex problems.
• Excellent communicator: can explain complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Collaborative: prepared to work across many HelloFresh teams and functions.
• Project manager: exceptional project and people management skills.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in supply chain operations and strategic sourcing, or operations‑strategy consulting.
• 3+ years of packaging sourcing experience preferred.
• Undergraduate degree preferred or equivalent relevant experience.
• Fluent in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and PowerPoint) and Google Suite (especially Google Sheets).
• Proven experience leading large initiatives and sourcing events through strategic sourcing processes.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with a pay range of $116,600 — $138,000 USD.
• 401(k) with company match that vests immediately upon participation.
• Generous PTO, including sabbatical, and parental leave of up to 16 weeks.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits with $0 monthly premium, effective first day of employment.
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education (after 2 years of service).
• Up to 85% discount on subscriptions to HelloFresh meal plans (HelloFresh, Green Chef, Everyplate, and Factor).
• Access to Employee Resource Groups for BIPOC, women, veterans, parents, and LGBTQ+ employees.
• Inclusive, collaborative, and dynamic work environment within a fast‑paced, mission‑driven company disrupting the traditional food supply chain.

Pay

New York Pay Range: $116,600 — $138,000 USD.