STRATEGIC SOURCING CATEGORY MANAGER

Strategic Sourcing Category Manager

BOX Home Office - Elgin, IL 60124

Salary Range $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 Salary/year Level Experienced Position Type Full Time Job Shift Day Education Level 4 Year Degree Category Supply Chain

Description

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly driven and strategic procurement professional to lead sourcing initiatives and category management across domestic packaging categories. This role combines the analytical and supplier-development strengths of a Sourcing Specialist with the leadership and strategic oversight responsibilities of a Category Manager.

The Strategic Sourcing & Category Manager will oversee supplier relationships, sourcing strategies, cost-saving initiatives, and procurement process improvements while also mentoring team members and driving operational excellence across the supply chain. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment and brings deep packaging industry expertise, strong analytical capabilities, and a collaborative leadership style.

Working for BOX Partners provides a fast-paced, high-growth environment ideal for those who can thrive independently with career advancement in mind.

The salary is commensurate with experience; the range of this position is $80k - 120K. This position is bonus eligible and dependent upon company goal achievement

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing and category management strategies for domestic packaging categories
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, RFPs, and contracting activities
• Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships while holding suppliers accountable to company expectations for cost, quality, service, and reliability
• Identify new suppliers and sourcing opportunities within the packaging industry
• Drive annual cost savings initiatives and achieve agreed-upon savings goals established with the VP of Procurement
• Analyze spend data, market indices, industry trends, and category intelligence to support purchasing decisions and procurement strategies
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency and operational effectiveness
• Oversee item setup accuracy including costs, supplier assignments, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and maintenance of over 40,000 item configurations
• Mentor and support buyers and sourcing team members while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration
• Support supplier performance management and ongoing supplier development initiatives
• Partner with operations, inventory management, transportation, and other internal departments to support business objectives
• Assist in developing procurement standards, reporting, and KPI tracking

Qualifications

Required Skills & Abilities

• Established network and strong relationships within the domestic packaging and corrugated supplier community
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel
• Strong understanding of sourcing, procurement, inventory management, distribution, transportation, and supply chain processes
• Ability to analyze market data and make data-driven business decisions
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities with a collaborative management style

Education & Experience

Work History Requirements

• 5–10 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, category management, or buying roles
• Packaging industry experience strongly preferred
• Experience leading projects, initiatives, or team members preferred
• Experience with strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and procurement analytics required

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience will be considered

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.