Regional Category Manager Americas - Packaging

Perfetti Van Melle, USA•Erlanger, KY

About The Position

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Dentyne, Trident and Bubblicious!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Regional Category Manager to join our growing team. The Regional Category Manager supports procurement activities within a defined region to maximize cost savings and value for the PVM Group. They act as the link between Regional Procurement Directors, Global Category Managers, and local buyers—providing regional insights, managing supplier performance, supporting sustainability goals, enabling digital procurement initiatives, and ensuring accurate reporting. They monitor market trends, assist with strategic sourcing initiatives, drive supplier relationship management, and serve as the first point of support for regional stakeholders across key spend categories.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or a related field required
Fluent, professional-level Spanish with strong negotiation capability; bilingual Spanish/English essential
Self-starter with strong initiative, able to work autonomously and influence without direct authority
Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain and Total Cost of Ownership decision-making
Demonstrated strategic sourcing capability with strong stakeholder engagement skills
Highly analytical with advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; skilled in interpreting trends and presenting insights
Experience working across multiple countries in the Americas region preferred
Background in consumer goods packaging is beneficial; relevant experience in personal care, cosmetics, or other consumer sectors also considered

Nice To Haves

Background in consumer goods packaging is beneficial; relevant experience in personal care, cosmetics, or other consumer sectors also considered

Responsibilities

Provide regional input and procurement execution support to Regional Procurement Directors and Global Category Managers for selected Global with Regional Input spend categories
Support strategic sourcing activities including: – RFI/RFP framework development – Identification of existing or new supplier sources – Supplier proposal evaluation (quantitative & qualitative) – Supplier negotiations and results analysis – Contract award execution
Analyze and monitor regional market conditions, supplier base, cost drivers, and industry trends to support Global Category Strategy and Go-To-Market plans
Contribute to Category Strategy workshops by reviewing category profiles, identifying opportunities, and defining segment strategies
Drive Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) for key regional and local suppliers with multiple PVM Operating Company touchpoints
Manage supplier performance issues and lead regional supplier review meetings using KPI scorecards and performance reporting
Manage contract amendments (artwork, pricing, materials) and follow through on implementation at the local level
Drive sustainability initiatives for assigned categories in partnership with Regional Procurement Directors and the Global Procurement Team
Explore opportunities and projects to advance PVM sustainability goals; align and train local buyers and stakeholders; report progress accurately and on time
Champion Group Procurement’s Digital Enablement initiatives by promoting adoption, training local buyers, ensuring timely rollout, and sharing feedback for improvement
Lead regional budget, estimates, and reporting processes for assigned categories, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
Collaborate with Procurement Controller and GPS teams to deliver reporting goals and support continuous improvement
Coach local buyers to ensure excellence in sourcing execution, performance management, sustainability, digital tools, and reporting
Maintain strong communication with Group Procurement to align on strategy, priorities, and performance outcomes