Sourcing Category Manager-Packaging

THE VISUAL PAK COMPANIES•Waukegan, IL

20h•$86,014 - $129,022

About The Position

The Visual Pak Companies are aligned with many of the largest consumer product companies in the household, personal care, automotive, and food product industries. 30 years of consistent growth with no end in sight is a testament to our best-in-class workforce as the foundation for our collective success. The Visual Pak is looking for innovative and dedicated achievers who are encouraged to keep a healthy work/life balance to join our team. Sourcing Category Manager-Packaging Position Purpose/Summary:. The Sourcing Category Manager is responsible for executing and managing sourcing strategies for packaging components, materials, and suppliers. This role includes driving supplier relationships, optimizing packaging procurement, and ensuring compliance with cost, quality, and contractual obligations. The individual will work to improve supply continuity, reduce costs, and mitigate risks related to packaging supply chains and market conditions. This position will also collaborate with internal teams to develop and manage packaging strategies aligned with the company's needs. Direct Reports: NA

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s Degree with emphasis in business, procurement, finance, packaging, or related field. Training in Procurement, Sourcing, E-Procurement, and online catalog management a plus.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of Sourcing/Purchasing experience in a Manufacturing, Consumer Product Goods (CPG), or Distribution environment, with a focus on packaging components (e.g., retail packaging, flexo packaging, corrugated cartons, etc.).
Proven track record in managing supplier relationships, including vendor inventory management, Just-In-Time (JIT), Lean manufacturing, and supply chain processes related to packaging.
5+ years of experience negotiating and managing supplier contracts, including RFQ/RFP processes, supplier performance, and cost optimization for packaging categories.
Knowledge of packaging testing (ISTA), supplier qualification, auditing, and packaging specifications for CPG companies, retailers, and dot-com customers.
Familiarity with packaging materials, design, and production processes (e.g., cardboard, plastic, flexo printing, etc.).
Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously and effectively manage time and resources under pressure.
Proven ability to execute cost reduction strategies and identify cost-avoidance opportunities within the packaging supply chain.
Strong negotiation skills and ability to resolve conflicts effectively with packaging suppliers.
Technology/Software (years): Experience with e-procurement software, reverse and forward auctions, SAP and/or Ariba procurement software, ERP system support – vendor set up.
Able to load systems with supplier pricing and setting of material standards for each fiscal year.
Advanced PC skills: Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, also Adobe Illustrator, digital photography, and file management.
Capable of doing complex Excel spreadsheets with spend data analytics.
Communication: Excellent writing and verbal skills. Proficient with chemical technical terminology. Great inter-personal communication skills, team player, cross functional leader.
Strong reporting skills, timely, and thorough. Has financial acumen to support meaningful reporting.
Needs to have excellence in the quality of work with accuracy in all aspects of communication.
Able to communicate chemical needs and requirements for Visual Pak Companies through the sharing of specifications, instructions, and methods of supply.
Can clearly articulate supply chain needs and quality requirements to suppliers
Physical Capabilities: Strength (lifting, dexterity, repetitive motion): Ability to lift at least 20 lbs regularly. Repitive typing and mouse usage.
Movement (standing, stopping, sitting, crouching, crawling): Must be able to sit for long periods of time while typing.
Hearing (loud noise tolerance, quiet work area, public speaking, receive work direction): Must be able to hear, understand, and communicate work direction in a loud, distracting environment.
Vision (judge distance, read signs, extended computer work, identify details): Must be able to work for extended periods in front of multiple computer screens.
Vehicle (own): able to commute to office and plant locations
Tools (own): Cellular device

Nice To Haves

Training in Procurement, Sourcing, E-Procurement, and online catalog management a plus.

Responsibilities

Sourcing Strategy: Develop and manage sourcing strategies for packaging materials and components, including supplier relationships and market analysis, to meet business objectives.
Negotiation & Contracts: Lead major supplier negotiations, manage contract development, and ensure compliance with cost, quality, and legal requirements in the packaging category.
Supplier Performance: Manage ongoing supplier performance, including quality, delivery, and cost, while addressing any issues that arise with packaging suppliers.
Cost Optimization: Identify and implement cost-reduction and cost-avoidance initiatives across the packaging category to improve profitability.
Supplier Evaluation: Conduct supplier assessments, implement supplier scorecards, and manage supplier qualification and onboarding for packaging suppliers.
RFQ/RFP Process: Lead the RFQ/RFP process for packaging suppliers to reduce the cost of goods sold (COGS) and optimize supplier performance.
Supply Continuity: Implement dual sourcing strategies, manage inventory, and monitor supply chain risks and disruptions related to packaging components.
Collaboration: Work with internal teams to develop category strategies for packaging, resolve raw material issues, and improve supply chain efficiency for packaging components.
Reporting: Provide regular and accurate reporting on market conditions, cost changes, and packaging supply chain performance to internal stakeholders.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Achieve annual cost reduction targets in assigned packaging categories.
Successfully negotiate improved payment terms and rebate structures with packaging suppliers.
Maintain optimal supplier relationships and performance standards through vendor scorecards and annual reviews.
Implement and track savings from sourcing initiatives in the packaging category, achieving COGS reduction goals.
Meet deadlines for assigned packaging sourcing projects and manage supplier negotiations effectively.