Associate Direct Materials Manager

Constellation Brands•Chicago, IL

8d•$69,600 - $146,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Manager, Direct Materials supports the strategic sourcing and management of primary packaging and other direct material categories, including but not limited to glass, cans, closures, wirehoods, and luxury packaging. In this role, the Associate Manager, Direct Materials collaborates with suppliers and cross-functional partners to advance sourcing and sustainability initiatives, negotiate and manage contracts, mitigate supply and packaging risks, and deliver measurable improvements in cost, quality, service, innovation, and supply continuity. The successful candidate will apply strong project management, analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills to manage competing priorities, respond quickly to evolving business needs, and operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience; MBA preferred.
At least three years of progressively responsible experience in strategic sourcing, direct materials procurement, procurement consulting, supply chain, or a related discipline.
Knowledge of strategic sourcing, category management, supplier management, and competitive bidding processes, including RFI, RFP, and RFQ activities.
Strong supplier negotiation, contract drafting, contract management, and commercial decision-making skills.
Demonstrated project management, problem-solving, analytical, and organizational capabilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships at all organizational levels.
Experience supporting new product development, packaging commercialization, or related innovation initiatives.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with e-procurement, project management, and data-analysis tools.
Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to use data to develop recommendations and make decisions.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time and work on a computer for extended periods. Lifting may be required.

Nice To Haves

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification or formal training in project management beneficial
Consumer packaged goods experience is preferred.
Bi-lingual Spanish, preferred.

Responsibilities

Own category strategy and execution for assigned direct materials, including but not limited to capsules, screwcaps, wirehoods, and luxury boxes, while supporting sourcing strategies for glass and cans.
Develop and implement sourcing plans that improve cost, quality, service, supply continuity, innovation, and overall value across direct procurement categories.
Own and advance assigned sustainability initiatives in partnership with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders, supporting broader company sustainability objectives
Lead competitive sourcing activities, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and the drafting and execution of supply agreements.
Proactively manage supplier contracts through renegotiation, extension, renewal, and performance-review cycles.
Build and maintain productive supplier relationships and collaborate with internal partners across Brand, Buying Operations, Category Management, Graphics, Packaging Technology, Planning, Finance, and Operations.
Identify procurement and packaging risks, recommend solutions, and coordinate cross-functional action to support new product development and ongoing business needs.
Execute tactical and strategic initiatives that deliver sustainable savings, cost avoidance, risk reduction, and other measurable sources of value.
Track category performance, market conditions, project milestones, risks, and savings, and communicate clear updates and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership.
Ensure compliance with procurement and finance policies, the company code of conduct, contractual requirements, and applicable external regulations.
Support continuous improvement and manage special projects or business priorities as assigned.