Category Specialist

Where Conviviality is at work.North American Distillers (NADL) is where we manufacture our award-winning American Whiskeys such as Jefferson’s, Rabbit Hole, TX Whiskey, Skrewball, and Smooth Ambler. NADL is part of Pernod Ricard, a global premium spirits and wine company. We’re the team behind leading brands such as ABSOLUT Vodka, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Malibu, Kahlúa Liqueur, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskey, as well as many more superior wines and exquisite champagnes!Working at NADL is all about igniting conviviality in all that we do. Derived from the French word, convivialité…it means human connection, authenticity, friendly, and jovial. Conviviality is energy and spirit with a splash of je ne sais quoi and is a core philosophy around how we live and work at Pernod Ricard.Guided by our 4 core values: (1) grounded in the real; (2) fiercely authentic; (3) passion for challenge; and (4) connected beyond borders; we are team players, dream makers, trailblazers, movers and (cocktail) shakers. We have a passion for living life to the fullest, making new friends every day, and realizing our potential as people and as a business!The salary range for this role, based in Louisville, KY, is $61,300.00 to $76,570.00. The range may vary if the role outside of this location. Base salaries are determined during our interview process, by assessing a candidate’s experience, skills against internal peers and against the scope and responsibilities of the position.Position Summary:This role is responsible for managing assigned packaging categories with a focus on supply continuity, cost optimization, supplier relationship management, and long-term category planning across Pernod Ricard North America manufacturing facilities and co-packers.The position will serve as a strategic business partner to Operations, Quality, Innovation, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to proactively manage procurement activities, mitigate supply risks, support innovation initiatives, and deliver value through strategic sourcing and financial discipline.This role is expected to balance operational execution with increasingly strategic responsibilities as part of Pernod Ricard’s long-term procurement transformation agenda.Key Responsibilities:Category Ownership & Strategic SourcingOwn assigned packaging categories and act as the primary procurement lead for category strategy developmentBuild annual category sourcing plans aligned with business objectivesConduct market intelligence, supplier benchmarking, and cost analysis to proactively identify opportunities and risksDevelop supplier diversification strategies to reduce sole-source exposureLead sourcing events, negotiations, and contract execution for assigned categoriesSupply Continuity & Risk ManagementProactively monitor supplier capacity, inventory levels, and operational risks across manufacturing plants and co-packersDevelop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies to ensure uninterrupted supplyIdentify and escalate supply risks before they impact operationsPartner with operations and supply planning teams on demand forecasting and inventory optimizationFinancial OwnershipSupport annual budgeting processes for assigned categoriesMonitor purchase price variance against budget assumptionsIdentify cost mitigation strategies related to inflation, commodity volatility, freight, and supplier changesDrive working capital initiatives including payment term optimization, MOQ improvements, and inventory reduction opportunitiesSupplier Relationship ManagementManage strategic supplier relationships focused on long-term performanceConduct supplier performance reviewsLead supplier development initiatives around quality, service, innovation, and cost competitivenessCollaborate with suppliers on continuous improvement opportunitiesInnovation / NPD Support(This is critical because your team spends massive time here)Partner with Innovation, Packaging Development, and Operations teams to support commercialization timelinesManage supplier quoting timelinesEnsure procurement readiness for product launchesIdentify supply risks that may impact launch executionProcurement Excellence & AnalyticsMaintain procurement dashboards and reporting toolsTrack contract coverageSupport savings pipeline trackingImprove data visibility for leadership decision-makingIdentify automation opportunities within procurement workflowsCross Functional LeadershipPartner proactively with:OperationsQualityFinanceInnovationSupply PlanningGlobal ProcurementSkills & RequirementsBachelor’s Degree and Purchasing/Supply Management certification is preferred.Minimum of 3 years experience in strategic sourcing/procurement of a CPG company in a packaging environment.Strong Influencing, Partnering, and Communication Skills at multiple levels and disciplinesExcellent Problem Solving, Analytical, and Details SkillsProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite software with focus on advanced excelWillingness to Travel approximately 15% (Canada & US)When you join North American Distillers, you are part of the Pernod Ricard family. You’ll experience a workplace that is rich in heritage, driven by our iconic brands and a long-standing commitment to sustainability, safety, and giving back to the people and communities where we work. We know that happiness at work starts with that feeling of belonging you get from an inclusive culture where being uniquely you is celebrated. Our values are lived, they drive our behaviors, and it’s what brings our culture to life.Our work philosophy celebrates the magic of human connection with the flexibility needed to provide one's most meaningful contribution. We offer employees great benefits and perks to toast to a life filled with support. Check out PRUSABenefits.com for details.This recruitment process uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to match applicant skills with role requirements and qualifications.NADL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It employs qualified individuals based solely on ability, training, and experience, and does not and will not, discriminate for or against any employee or applicant for employment or promotion based upon actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service or any other classification protected by law. Offers will be subject to United States local terms.NADL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Pernod Ricard USA will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. To request reasonable accommodation during the application process, contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io Posting End Date:Target Hire Date:2026-06-01Target End Date: #J-18808-Ljbffr Pernod Ricard España SA