Global Category Manager, Plastics

Job Responsibilities

• Manage a global annual spend of $50M–$100M, with a strategic focus on cost optimization, quality enhancement, and supply chain resilience.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including RFI, RFQ, and RFP processes for plastics manufacturing commodities, including injection molded materials, resins, foam, and fabrics.
• Serve as the primary business interface with Plastics Manufacturers, overseeing supplier relationship management, continuity of supply, risk mitigation, commercial negotiations, and seamless execution from New Product Introduction (NPI) through Mass Production (MP).
• Collaborate effectively with key stakeholders (engineering, operations, quality, etc.) to understand category requirements, ensure supplier qualification, and maintain high quality standards.
• Partner with business unit Procurement and Engineering teams to facilitate smooth supplier transitions.
• Support NPI teams by leveraging preferred supplier programs.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive category strategy aligned with business needs and procurement best practices.
• Drive cost reductions through price negotiations and continuous improvement initiatives including Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) improvements through VA/VE, should-cost modeling, and design-to-cost initiatives.
• Negotiate favorable payment terms with suppliers to improve cash flow and optimize working capital.
• Explore Supply Chain Financing: Investigate and implement supply chain financing solutions (e.g., supplier financing programs) to improve cash flow and enhance supplier relationships.
• Implement effective supplier segmentation and expand the Preferred Supplier Program based on business requirements.
• Manage the entire contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance and continuity of supply.
• Conduct thorough RFx processes to select and negotiate contracts with optimal terms and conditions.
• Actively identify and mitigate potential risks associated with suppliers, including financial, capacity, quality, and compliance issues.
• Oversee Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities and conduct regular supplier reviews to ensure performance meets program objectives (Quality, Cost, Delivery).
• Meet or exceed key performance indicators (KPIs) related to cost, quality, and supplier performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or Operations; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of procurement/sourcing experience in large-scale, complex, or global categories—preferably in plastics and/or chemicals manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of foam and fabrics products, market dynamics, and industry trends.
• Proficiency in data analysis and relevant procurement tools.
• Proven ability to assess, negotiate, and manage suppliers effectively.
• Strong collaboration, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills in a matrixed environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Ideal if You Are: A strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Results-oriented and thrive in achieving ambitious goals. An effective communicator and collaborator with excellent interpersonal skills. Proactive, self-motivated, and capable of working independently and in teams. Passionate about continuous improvement and innovation.