Category Manager, PET Clamshells and Packaging

Driscoll’s • Watsonville, CA

9d • $88,000 - $113,000

About The Position

The Category Manager – PET Clamshells & Packaging is responsible for strategically managing the sourcing, procurement, and supply chain activities related to PET clamshell packaging and associated plastic packaging materials. The primary objectives of this position are to ensure the availability of high quality packaging at competitive cost while maintaining strong supplier relationships and optimizing the supply chain to support United States and Canada operations. This role works cross functionally with internal and external partners across Supply Chain to execute category strategies, ensure business requirements are met, and support both near term operational needs and long range growth plans. The role requires strong analytical capability, deep supplier management expertise, excellent communication skills, and proven technical and commercial acumen.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Management, Business Administration, or related field
• 5–10 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably in PET, thermoformed plastics, or packaging
• Strong negotiation, RFQ/RFP execution, and supplier relationship management skills
• Strong familiarity with MRP / ERP systems
• Domestic and international travel required up to 20%

Nice To Haves

• MBA or advanced degree
• Excellent analytical, financial, and optimization modeling skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with Oracle ERP (preferred)
• Demonstrated leadership, decision making, and cross functional influence
• Ability to operate independently in a fast paced environment
• Experience with process improvement methodologies (Six Sigma or similar)
• California driver’s license and ability to be covered under company vehicle insurance
• Valid passport and ability to travel internationally without restriction

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category sourcing strategies for PET clamshells and plastic packaging to ensure cost, quality, service, and supply continuity objectives are met
• Lead RFx development, supplier communication, bid analysis, and business award recommendations for US and Canada direct material needs
• Identify and qualify new suppliers; negotiate commercial terms and establish long term strategic partnerships
• Maintain a sourcing strategy that ensures regional tooling requirements, redundancy, and cost optimization targets are achieved
• Manage relationships with incumbent suppliers, ensuring compliance with contractual terms, service levels, and performance metrics
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and implement corrective actions related to quality, delivery, capacity, or service gaps
• Collaborate with suppliers to drive innovation, material optimization, and process improvements
• Benchmark packaging industry best practices, supplier capabilities, capacity profiles, and business award outcomes
• Analyze total cost of ownership (TCO) and identify value creation opportunities through value engineering, alternative materials, or process improvements
• Monitor PET resin and packaging market dynamics, including price volatility and capacity constraints, and implement mitigation strategies
• Assess and mitigate risks related to supplier dependency, capacity limitations, and supply chain disruption
• Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies to ensure business continuity
• Partner with New Product Introduction (NPI), Manufacturing, Packaging Planning, Quality Assurance, Finance, and Accounting to support business objectives
• Lead the transition of new products, executed sourcing agreements, and new suppliers into operational execution
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to develop long range capacity planning aligned to regional growth needs
• Support inventory strategies to minimize stockouts, excess inventory, and obsolescence
• Utilize procurement and ERP systems to manage purchasing processes, track spending, and generate management reporting
• Support cost target setting, budgeting, and savings initiatives in partnership with Finance
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and corporate procurement policies
• Lead sustainability efforts and compliance. Support strategic sourcing goals, compliance with legal requirements, and company initiatives.
• Solve complex problems by taking a broad, strategic perspective and developing innovative solutions
• Contribute to Business Unit priorities through effective leadership, engagement, and enablement
• Represent Driscoll’s in an ethical, professional, and business focused manner in all interactions

Benefits

• Driscoll’s is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week.
• 401(k) with employer match, profit-sharing participation, paid sick time, paid vacation, paid personal and family care leave, and a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• More detailed information regarding the benefits package, will be shared during the application process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees