STRATEGIC SOURCING CATEGORY MANAGER

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

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.

BOX Partners is an E-Verify employer. We will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's form I-9 to confirm work authorization. BOX Partners does not use E-Verify to pre-screen applicants.