SUMMARY OF THE JOB
As Global Category Manager – Packaging Materials, you are responsible for defining and executing procurement strategies across a broad portfolio of primary and secondary packaging materials, including but not limited to paper, plastic, metal, glass, and sustainable alternatives.
You will act as a strategic driver within the company’s decentralized model, aligning local needs with global objectives. The role focuses on unlocking cross-regional synergies, reducing total cost of ownership, ensuring supply continuity, and integrating sustainability and innovation into category strategies.
Your scope includes supplier relationship management, market intelligence, cost control, and risk mitigation across the packaging materials category.
MAIN ACTIVITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Category Strategy Development: Develop and execute mid- to long-term category strategies aligned with the corporate sourcing roadmap, focusing on innovation, cost-efficiency, and sustainability.
2. Supplier Management & Negotiation: Lead global sourcing activities including supplier selection, contract negotiation, and performance management. Leverage cost modeling tools and drive value creation through strategic partnerships.
3. Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with R&D, operations, marketing, and regional procurement teams to translate packaging requirements into sourcing solutions. Promote knowledge sharing and best practice adoption across regions.
4. Risk & Sustainability Management: Identify and mitigate supply chain risks including material volatility, regulatory changes, and geopolitical disruptions. Align sourcing practices with ESG goals, including circular economy and low-carbon packaging.
5. Market Intelligence & Benchmarking: Analyze market trends, emerging technologies, and pricing indices to anticipate shifts and deliver proactive sourcing strategies. Benchmark supplier capabilities to maintain competitive advantage.
JOB DIMENSIONS
Key interfaces, stakeholders and relationships:
- R&D
- Marketing
- Regional/Local Procurement
- Operations
- Supply Chain
- Sustainability Teams
PROFILE REQUIRED
6. Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Procurement, Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business Administration.
7. 5+ years of experience in global sourcing or category management with a strong focus on packaging materials. Experience in FMCG, manufacturing, or industrial sectors is preferred. Proven track record in managing global suppliers and cross-functional projects.
8. Basic understanding of packaging materials, specifications, and supply markets
9. Familiarity with packaging sustainability initiatives and regulatory compliance
10. Strong procurement analytics and cost modeling capability
Behavioural competencies:
11. Strategic thinker with tactical execution skills
12. Innovation and sustainability-oriented
13. Results-driven with a proactive, solution-oriented approach
14. Strong commercial and negotiation acumen
15. Ability to manage complexity and deliver under pressure
Leadership and managerial abilities:
16. Ability to influence and align stakeholders at various organizational levels
17. Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Language skills:
18. Fluent in English; German and/or French is a strong plus
Mobility requirements:
19. Willingness to travel internationally up to 50%