Director of Procurement - Paper Packaging
Director of Procurement - Paper Packaging
Location: Remote (U.S.)
Travel Required: Up to 50% (1-2 weeks per month)
Company Overview
Our client is a leading paper packaging manufacturer serving a diverse customer base across industrial, consumer, food & beverage, and commercial markets. As they continue to grow and optimize their supply chain operations, they are seeking a strategic and results-driven Director of Procurement to lead enterprise-wide sourcing initiatives and supplier partnerships.
Position Summary
The Director of Procurement will lead the organization's strategic sourcing and procurement function, overseeing a team of three direct reports and managing a significant spend portfolio across direct and indirect categories. This role will be responsible for developing sourcing strategies, driving cost optimization initiatives, ensuring supply continuity, and building strong supplier relationships to support operational excellence and business growth.
The ideal candidate will bring deep procurement leadership experience within the paper, packaging, pulp & paper, chemicals, or related manufacturing industries, along with a proven track record of managing complex category spend and leading high-performing teams.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement Leadership
- Develop and execute procurement strategies that align with company objectives, operational requirements, and growth initiatives.
- Lead enterprise sourcing efforts across multiple manufacturing locations.
- Identify opportunities to reduce total cost of ownership while improving supplier performance, quality, and service levels.
- Partner with executive leadership to develop long-term sourcing strategies and risk mitigation plans.
Category Management
Manage strategic sourcing activities across:
- Fibers
- Pulp
- Chemicals
- MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations)
- Transportation & Logistics
- Capital Equipment
- Energy & Utilities
- Additional Indirect Spend Categories
Supplier Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key suppliers.
- Lead contract negotiations, pricing agreements, and supplier performance reviews.
- Monitor commodity markets and industry trends to proactively identify risks and opportunities.
- Develop supplier scorecards and continuous improvement programs.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of three procurement professionals.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Establish performance goals and career development plans for team members.
- Drive procurement best practices, processes, and governance across the organization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with Manufacturing, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, and Commercial teams.
- Support new product launches, plant expansions, and operational improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with plant leadership to ensure alignment on inventory, supplier performance, and sourcing priorities.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, or related field required
- 10+ years of progressive procurement and strategic sourcing experience.
- 5+ years of people leadership experience.
- Prior experience managing procurement within a paper packaging, pulp & paper, containerboard, corrugated packaging, or related manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience managing significant spend across fibers, pulp, chemicals, MRO, transportation, and indirect categories.
- Strong contract negotiation and supplier management experience.
- Experience developing and executing category strategies in a manufacturing environment.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%.
Preferred
- MBA and/or CPSM, CPSD, CPM, or APICS certification.
- Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or JD Edwards.
- Commodity market experience within fiber, pulp, paper, chemicals, or packaging materials.
- Multi-site manufacturing procurement leadership experience.
FAQs
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