Category Sourcing Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Category Manager – Flexible Packaging to lead the management of flexible packaging solutions across our product lines. This role is responsible for optimizing supplier performance and ensuring cost efficiency while maintaining high standards of quality, sustainability, and innovation. The ideal candidate will have market knowledge of flexible packaging materials (e.g., films, laminates, pouches), excellent supplier relationship skills, and the ability to balance operational execution with material demand planning. This role collaborates closely with purchasing, engineering, sales, operations, and sustainability teams to align packaging initiatives with broader business goals.

Responsibilities

• Executes the strategic sourcing plan for the identified category (films).
• Identifies, pursues, implements, and documents improvement initiatives with suppliers.
• Analyzes market trends, supplier capabilities, and internal requirements to identify cost-saving and innovation opportunities.
• Administers and reports on supplier performance through Supplier Scorecards for key suppliers and provides regular feedback for improvement efforts and allocation decisions.
• Develops and maintains positive/proactive relationships with suppliers and manufacturing.
• Identifies and mitigates supply risks, ensuring supply chain resilience and continuity of film materials.
• Implements Product Line Simplification (PLS) strategy across all film categories.
• Monitors category performance metrics including cost, quality, delivery, and sustainability KPIs.
• Follows up and manages supplier corrective actions as needed.
• Supports agreed-to Film Stocking Programs to assure short lead times for key customers while closely managing film inventory to minimize obsolescence.
• Key player in the Commercialization process for trialing and scaling up production safely and timely.
• Works closely with product development, sustainability, and quality teams to support packaging innovation and compliance.
• Generates improvement ideas and embraces projects to enhance business operations.
• Projects a professional image and positive attitude while assertively driving results in a fast-to-market production environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required as part of the essential functions of the position.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of purchasing and/or materials management experience in a manufacturing environment, with most of that specifically in the Flexible Packaging industry (highly preferable).
• Knowledge of administrative processes in a plastic manufacturing facility (a plus).
• Proficiency in business operating systems and Windows Computing programs (Excel, Word, Outlook preferred).
• Strong organization skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Action-oriented, assertive, and diplomatic with a sense of urgency and creative problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy in paperwork and computer inputs.
• Ability to read and write in English.
• Experience working in a team environment with consensus decision-making.

Working Conditions

• Must consistently produce high-quality work in a fast-paced production environment.
• Must identify, prioritize, and meet multiple expectations for the area of responsibility.
• Excellent verbal communication skills required.
• Ability to work at a computer with prior computing expertise.
• Maintains a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Travel may be required, including overnight travel.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.