Category Procurement Manager

Category Procurement Manager, Packaging

The Category Procurement Manager, Packaging, owns the strategic sourcing activities for the America's Region, with the goal of achieving significant initial cost reductions, while maintaining/improving product quality, aligning to sustainability initiatives, and meeting service levels to support business objectives. This position requires plastic packaging experience, preferably within the food industry. Category responsibilities include flexible packaging, rigid packaging and industrial packaging. Experience in packaging engineering is desired.

Key Responsibilities

Directly responsible for the procurement and risk management of the plastics category with an annual spend of approximately $70MM.

Develops and executes Sourcing Strategy for assigned packaging commodities in America's region (US and Canada).

Analyzes market and delivery conditions to determine present and future material availability/price and prepares market analysis reports.

Leads sustainability initiatives for assigned categories.

Monitors procurement reporting systems to meet company requirements.

Identifies and maintains suppliers that provide high quality products and service at a better price while maintaining the highest code of ethics and conduct.

Negotiates complex requests for materials.

Works day-to-day with the other functions in the region on implementation of category sourcing initiatives.

Works with suppliers, sites, and key stakeholders in development of new packaging designs.

Maintains packaging specifications and assures compliance as required.

Ensures categories are contracted in line with the sourcing strategy to avoid uncontrolled spend.

Ensures master agreements are properly codified into local contracts for the region.

Prepares and reviews contracts, bids, proposals, and vendor agreements for legal correctness, business terms, price, and acceptability of items and specifications.

Develops and utilizes a system to evaluate vendor quotations with the appropriate negotiation and purchasing techniques to ensure quality, price, delivery, and service.

Directly solves operational issues with vendors.

Reviews and resolves vendor claims and contracts for conformance to company policy.

Qualifications & Skills

7 or more years packaging industry and buying experience, preferably across multiple manufacturing locations.

MBA or MS degree desirable, with significant plastics packaging experience.

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and SAP preferred.

Must be able to travel up to 20% of the time.

Strong communication skills; successful candidate will work with Kerry co-workers in multiple functions and locations as well as outside vendors.

Problem-solving and analytical skills.

Basic understanding of purchasing and supply chain management.

Ability to comply with existing/quickly adapt to new processes within the organization.

Able to work in a dual reporting matrix and in virtual teams.

Adept at influencing stakeholders among other company functions/departments, to further the category sourcing objectives, increase efficiencies, and influence total costs.

The pay range for this position is $102,400 - $190,200 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance-based incentive compensation. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. This job posting is anticipated to expire on 7/28/2026.

Kerry is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, military service, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This commitment applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, and career development. Kerry also takes affirmative action to ensure that minorities, women, disabled veterans, and other protected groups are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us deliver better food for a better world.