Category Manager GSC (Danville)

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Please apply till October 11th, 2026, COB

Category Manager, GSC (Temporary)

What this position is about:

Reporting to the Cluster Category Manager GSC and working as part of a multi-functional team, the role of Category Manager GSC (Global Supply Chain) is at the forefront of implementing strategic procurement initiatives, supporting data-driven decisions, and building valuable partnerships. The Category Manager plays a crucial role in optimizing JTI’s supplier base, delivering measurable value, and supporting our organization's sustainability goals through innovative procurement practices.

The Category Manager GSC is responsible for the procurement activities of non-Tobacco materials (NTM), Other Tobacco Products (OTP), spare parts, CAPEX, Logistics and general services categories of spend at the factories in North America.

This role has the following main dimensions:

• Support implementation of category strategies and contribute to local initiatives.
• Build supplier relationships and support supplier base optimization.
• Drive data-driven procurement decisions and continuous improvement projects.
• Ensure procurement targets achievement and compliance.
• Foster stakeholder collaboration and maintain effective business partnerships.
• Act as category liaison for Global GSC Procurement.
• Participate in financial planning and deliver benefits/value within their perimeter of action.
• Apply Category Management principles.
• Manage SRM (Supplier Relationship Management) with key local and regional suppliers in full coordination with the relevant internal stakeholders.
• Ensure Regional/Cluster alignment.

Responsibilities:

1. Category Management Strategy:

• Support the implementation of supply chain strategies for the GSC and other local categories, ensuring alignment with local and global company objectives. Document and communicate local/Cluster strategies.
• Demonstrate value to business partners through collective collaboration on efficiency, knowledge of the supplier market, supplier risk and compliance matters.
• Consistently working with strong communication skills, organizational skills, and cost-savings initiatives
• Effectively and collaboratively identify, escalate, mitigate, and resolve risk, conduct and compliance matters.

2. Supplier Management:

• Identifies and manages the pool of local suppliers.
• Assist strategic contracts negotiations and ensures optimum and sustainable supply conditions. Recommends timely strategic decisions where relevant to secure procurement efficiencies.
• Demonstrates ability to challenge status quo, proposes and runs projects that will add value to the Company. Provides necessary support to Regional procurement teams for implementation.
• Manages SRM with key local suppliers in full coordination with the relevant internal stakeholders
• Supports Global and Regional teams to build Innovation & Sustainability strategy with Global/Regional/Local suppliers and promotes any ideas that could represent a competitive advantage for JTI.

3. KPIs & Targets:

• Achieves set Procurement negotiation targets and KPIs. Plans and delivers Savings targets. Develops and recommends strategic sourcing plans and decisions.
• Leads and /or supports supplier bidding processes in close cooperation with respective business partners to ensure best combination of quality, cost and service parameters / conditions for products and services are attained.
• Drives strategy implementation at local and cluster level for assigned category and monitors performance. Ensures corrective actions are taken when required.
• Drives ad-hoc cost optimization and continuous improvement initiatives.

4. Business Partnership:

• Ensure business connectivity and foster collaborative business partnership with specific stakeholders.
• Focuses on demonstrating value of Business Partnership, by developing a customer-oriented approach.
• Aligns strategy with key business partners and ensures it meets Business' priorities.
• Establishes alignment and effective communication among procurement organization, business partners and suppliers.
• Takes preventive actions to avoid supply issues and supports problem solving where required.

5. Market Intelligence:

• Shares category intelligence, identifies trends and opportunities and promotes innovative ideas.
• Applies best practices in procurement process management by utilizing latest models and takes necessary actions for areas of improvement.
• Conducts supply risk assessments, builds contingency plans, finds alternative ideas, solutions in securing best conditions for the company including extensive market research and proactive sourcing of innovative suppliers.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Business or related Finance /Business management / Supply Chain field.
• Minimum 5 years in Strategic Sourcing with 3-5 years specifically but not limited to category management of direct materials, spare parts, equipment, and general services in a manufacturing setting in North America.
• 3 to 5 years related business experience with a CPG and/or global organization.
• Business, financial and supplier contract acumen.

Additional Role Expectations:

• Excellent understanding and experience in category management and strategic sourcing process.
• Comfortable leading and driving commercial negotiations.
• Strong and demonstrated communication skills.
• Adaptability and enthusiasm for change.
• Ability to work under limited supervision, exercise independent judgment and consistently meet deadlines.
• Experience and knowledge of identified categories and industry best practices are an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop strong relationships and credibility with senior level internal stakeholders and affiliates as well as suppliers.
• Establishes ownership and personal accountability for assigned categories and projects.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and demonstrates resiliency and adaptability on all aspects of work.
• Fluency in English language.
• Ability to travel a few times a year.

At JTI we care for our people's well-being. In addition to the salary, you can enjoy the following benefits

• Annual Performance-based Bonus.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Personal Development Programs.
• Medical, Dental & Vision Plan for employees & family members.
• Life insurance.
• Matching 401(K).
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Paid Family Leave (20 weeks).
• Education/Tuition Assistance.
• Volunteering Activities.
• Employee Assistance Program (counselling, for employees & family members).

Are you ready to join us? Build your success story at JTI. Apply now!

Next Steps:

After applying, if selected, please anticipate the following within 1-3 weeks of the job posting closure: Phone screening with Talent Advisor > Assessment tests > Interviews > Offer. Each step is eliminatory and may vary by role type.

At JTI, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you need any specific support, alternative formats, or have other access requirements, please let us know.