Sourcing Manager - Packaging
Job Summary
The Sourcing Manager - Corrugate, Displays & Packaging is responsible for defining and executing category sourcing strategies across corrugate, display materials, and related packaging. This role leads supplier negotiations, manages contract lifecycle activities, and advances sustainability and cost‑optimization initiatives. The position partners closely with Finance, Packaging Engineering, Planning, Operations, and Quality teams to ensure supply continuity, mitigate risk, and align sourcing decisions with broader financial and business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
- Develop and implement category sourcing strategies for corrugate, displays, and miscellaneous packaging using a structured, multi‑step sourcing methodology, with sustainability embedded throughout.
- Support the execution of sourcing strategies by coordinating activities across suppliers and internal stakeholders, including Operations, Packaging Engineering, and Quality.
- Lead RFx processes and supplier negotiations, including the development of long‑term pricing models and strategic supplier partnerships.
- Conduct market intelligence and competitive analysis to monitor packaging industry trends, supply market dynamics, and cost drivers across North America.
- Prepare category performance reporting and market insights to support leadership decision‑making.
Contracting, Risk & Supplier Management
- Manage the end‑to‑end contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance with internal policies, financial alignment, and risk mitigation.
- Execute volume allocation strategies to balance cost, capacity, service, and risk considerations.
- Establish and monitor supplier KPIs related to cost, service, quality, sustainability, and compliance.
- Participate in supplier business reviews, providing data‑driven insights, performance evaluations, and recommendations for improvement.
- Support issue resolution and escalation efforts to maintain uninterrupted supply.
- Monitor material demand variability and proactively assess potential supply risks.
- Implement supplier risk mitigation and business continuity measures in line with procurement governance standards.
Cost Optimization, Analytics & Systems
- Support cost‑savings initiatives, including Design‑to‑Value and category optimization programs, in collaboration with cross‑functional teams.
- Validate, track, and report actual and forecasted cost savings.
- Manage and maintain supplier contracts and pricing within ERP systems, partnering with sourcing operations as needed.
- Develop and maintain procurement reporting, including:
- Non‑Financial Risk (NFR) data collection and validation
- Sustainability and decarbonization metrics (e.g., CO₂ reduction initiatives)
- Purchase Price Variance (PPV) analysis
- Price forecasting and budget reporting
Personal Characteristics & Skills
- Strategic Thinker: Aligns sourcing strategies with business and financial objectives.
- Results‑Oriented: Delivers measurable value through savings, risk reduction, and operational improvements.
- Analytical Problem Solver: Applies data and creativity to resolve complex sourcing challenges.
- Collaborative Partner: Builds strong relationships with cross‑functional stakeholders and suppliers.
- Skilled Negotiator: Achieves competitive commercial outcomes while fostering long‑term supplier partnerships.
- Influential Communicator: Clearly articulates sourcing strategies and influences stakeholders at multiple levels.
- Financial Acumen: Interprets financial data and integrates cost, risk, and investment considerations into sourcing decisions.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related discipline (MBA preferred).
- 8+ years of experience in strategic sourcing and category management, with a strong focus on packaging.
- Experience supporting cost‑reduction programs, including Design‑to‑Value initiatives.
- Preferred experience with commodity risk management, price forecasting, and hedging strategies.
- Demonstrated success working in global, matrixed organizations with finance, R&D, engineering, and supply chain teams.
- Proven expertise in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
- Strong understanding of sustainability principles, responsible sourcing, supply risk management, and digital procurement tools.
- Proficiency with procurement and analytics systems (e.g., ERP platforms, sourcing tools) and advanced Excel skills.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your CV so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
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