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The Visual Pak Companies · 1 week ago

Sourcing Category Manager - Packaging

Waukegan, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$86K/yr - $129K/yr

5+ years exp

The Visual Pak Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking a Sourcing Category Manager for Packaging. This role involves managing sourcing strategies for packaging components, optimizing procurement processes, and ensuring compliance with supplier contracts while collaborating with internal teams to enhance supply chain efficiency.

Manufacturing

Hiring Manager

Sean Collier

Responsibilities

Develop and manage sourcing strategies for packaging materials and components, including supplier relationships and market analysis, to meet business objectives

Lead major supplier negotiations, manage contract development, and ensure compliance with cost, quality, and legal requirements in the packaging category

Manage ongoing supplier performance, including quality, delivery, and cost, while addressing any issues that arise with packaging suppliers

Identify and implement cost-reduction and cost-avoidance initiatives across the packaging category to improve profitability

Conduct supplier assessments, implement supplier scorecards, and manage supplier qualification and onboarding for packaging suppliers

Lead the RFQ/RFP process for packaging suppliers to reduce the cost of goods sold (COGS) and optimize supplier performance

Implement dual sourcing strategies, manage inventory, and monitor supply chain risks and disruptions related to packaging components

Work with internal teams to develop category strategies for packaging, resolve raw material issues, and improve supply chain efficiency for packaging components

Provide regular and accurate reporting on market conditions, cost changes, and packaging supply chain performance to internal stakeholders

Qualification

Sourcing strategiesSupplier relationship managementCost optimizationNegotiation skillsE-Procurement softwarePackaging materials knowledgeSupplier performance managementFinancial acumenTeam playerCommunication

Required

Bachelor's Degree with emphasis in business, procurement, finance, packaging, or related field

Minimum of 5 years of Sourcing/Purchasing experience in a Manufacturing, Consumer Product Goods (CPG), or Distribution environment, with a focus on packaging components (e.g., retail packaging, flexo packaging, corrugated cartons, etc.)

Proven track record in managing supplier relationships, including vendor inventory management, Just-In-Time (JIT), Lean manufacturing, and supply chain processes related to packaging

5+ years of experience negotiating and managing supplier contracts, including RFQ/RFP processes, supplier performance, and cost optimization for packaging categories

Knowledge of packaging testing (ISTA), supplier qualification, auditing, and packaging specifications for CPG companies, retailers, and dot-com customers

Familiarity with packaging materials, design, and production processes (e.g., cardboard, plastic, flexo printing, etc.)

Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously and effectively manage time and resources under pressure

Proven ability to execute cost reduction strategies and identify cost-avoidance opportunities within the packaging supply chain

Strong negotiation skills and ability to resolve conflicts effectively with packaging suppliers

Experience with e procurement software, reverse and forward auctions, SAP and/or Ariba procurement software, ERP system support – vendor set up

Able to load systems with supplier pricing and setting of material standards for each fiscal year

Advanced PC skills: Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, also Adobe Illustrator, digital photography, and file management

Capable of doing complex Excel spread sheets with spend data analytics

Excellent writing and verbal skills

Proficient with chemical technical terminology

Great inter-personal communication skills, team player, cross functional leader

Strong reporting skills, timely, and thorough

Has financial acumen to support meaningful reporting

Needs to have excellence in the quality of work with accuracy in all aspects of communication

Able to communicate chemical needs and requirements for Visual Pak Companies through the sharing of specifications, instructions, and methods of supply

Can clearly articulate supply chain needs and quality requirements to suppliers

Ability to lift at least 20 lbs. regularly

Repetitive typing and mouse usage

Must be able to sit for long periods of time while typing

Must be able to hear, understand, and communicate work direction in a loud, distracting environment

Must be able to work for extended periods in front of multiple computer screens