Category Manager, CapEx and Industrial OpEx

Pernod Ricard • Louisville, KY

6d

About The Position

The Regional Category Manager, CapEx and Industrial OpEx role will play a key role within Pernod Ricard’s Global Procurement organisation, by supporting strategic sourcing activities across the Group’s industrial capital expenditure portfolio in North America. Reporting to the Global Head of Procurement for Industrial Capex, the Category Manager will manage end‑to-end procurement activities for assigned categories and directly contribute to operational excellence, cost optimisation, and long-term supplier partnerships. The role will also provide direct procurement support projects across North American distillery operations and associated sites.

Requirements

• Are an experienced procurement professional with a background in Engineering, Industrial Capex, or Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO).
• Have a proven track record running complex RFP/RFQ processes across multiple categories related to industrial capex.
• Possess advanced negotiation, analytical and problem‑solving skills, with strong financial acumen and the ability to embed procurement processes and performance metrics with functional stakeholders.
• Understand contracting mechanisms and standards for capex sourcing (e.g., MF/1, Orgalim, or comparable frameworks).
• Can prioritise effectively, managing a demanding and multi-faceted workload.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, ideally with experience working across multiple sites and global teams.
• Proven track record in delivering savings and efficiencies.
• Demonstrate the ability to embed change and implement new Ways of Working.
• Strong negotiation skills and commercial acumen.
• High analytical capability and attention to detail.
• Innovative and self‑sufficient working style.
• Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork orientation.
• Clear, structured, and persuasive communication.
• Proficiency with financial management systems.
• Ability to understand and interpret legal documents and contracts.
• Commitment to Pernod Ricard values: Real, Remarkable, Responsible.
• Knowledge of sustainable procurement practices.
• Very strong time and activity planning and management.
• Proven experience and capabilities in digital & e-sourcing tools.
• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• Five plus years’ procurement experience in a Global organizational environment.
• Strong understanding of Industrial Capex categories or comparable experience in areas such as civil engineering, construction, industrial equipment, or plant.

Nice To Haves

• Professional procurement accreditation (e.g., CIPS, ISM) is advantageous.
• FMCG sector experience is beneficial but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the execution of the Global Industrial Capex Procurement Strategy, ensuring the pillars of Fuel, Protect, and Leverage are embedded in daily operations.
• Identify, negotiate, and deliver against capex procurement savings targets.
• Ensure full compliance with Pernod Ricard procurement policies.
• Analyse and challenge customer demand to ensure purchasing decisions support business needs and the global category strategy.
• Conduct supplier engagement activities including RFPs, negotiations, and contract implementation.
• Oversee supplier performance using best‑in-class practices, including performance reviews and audits.
• Support third‑party risk management, assessing category risks and identifying suppliers at potential risk.
• Lead or support contract drafting, negotiation, and contract lifecycle management.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees