Procurement Category Manager - Packaging

Are you passionate about strategic category management?
This role is broad in scope and has opportunities in the near and long term.
About Our Client
My client is an Australian-based manufacturer that specializes in the production of pet food. They are known for manufacturing a variety of pet food products, including both wet and dry food options for dogs and cats. They focus on providing high-quality, nutritionally balanced pet food to support the health and well-being of pets. In 2017, they changed its ownership to a group of APAC investors and acquired more pet food brands in New South Wales and the UK.
Job Description
Sourcing
Development and implementation of strategic sourcing initiatives related to both paper and metal packaging categories, in line & consistent with the company's overall sustainability goals.
Analyse and recommend the appropriate sourcing model for the paper & metal category including value leadership/engineering accelerator opportunities.
Ensure optimisation of purchasing specifications is considered as part of every sourcing initiative.
Identify sourcing initiatives through detailed spend analysis, category insight (including supporting documentation) and opportunities arising from alignment to specific business goals.
Lead responsible and business sourcing initiatives including key elements of pre-qualification of short-listed suppliers, supplier and market analysis, negotiations, evaluations, supplier selection, risk assessment, implementation, and formalisation of legal agreements.
Lead/support regional sourcing initiatives.
Category Management
Creation, deployment, and delivery of the category sourcing strategy as well as the management of the ANZ category spend and supply base.
Ensure compliance (e.g. P2P, contracts, specifications) and governance to the alignment of business and Procurement priorities.
Ensure procurement authority and accountability in line with the category.
Validation and approval of new vendors in a timely manner.
Drive structured quarter business reviews (QBRs) with key Packaging suppliers and business stakeholders to assess and measure supplier performance and compliance against KPIs, policies, category goals, P2P, risk management strategies, in addition to two-way knowledge exchange and gathering of market intelligence.
Assess and implement targeted demand management strategies to drive spend efficiencies.
Continual assessment of Packaging Category to enhance understanding of market dynamics.
Develop, implement, and continually reassess risk management strategies to ensure security of supply.
Process Improvement
Work closely with the Packaging Technology R&D team to identify opportunities to optimise the supply of packaging to the business.
Continually manage and challenge the Minimum Order Quantity of the packaging portfolio to deliver maximum Working Capital benefit.
Sustainability
Support the development and deployment of responsible sourcing programs.
Deliver the technical rigour, robust activation, external credibility, and internal visibility of this essential work within the business and across Packaging supply chains.
Partner with the Head of Sustainability to develop and lead the packaging ESG commitments.
Stakeholder Engagement
Ensure alignment of business and procurement strategies, report procurement performance to goals, P2P compliance, and early involvement on NPD.
Ensure effective business connectivity through initiative-taking engagement at all levels of the organisation to ensure joint goals and initiatives for all Packaging categories.
Provide category knowledge and expertise across all areas related to Packaging.
The Successful Applicant
Skills
Excellent communication skills (written and oral), high-level interpersonal skills and sound judgment.
Excellent stakeholder management, ability to deal with multiple stakeholders and handle competing priorities with proven ability to successfully lead cross functional projects.
Ability to work efficiently, manage time, prioritise workload and operate within a nimble organisation.
Excellent analytical skills.
Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Demonstrated problem solving & strong initiative capability.
Proven skills in team leadership and developing individuals to achieve their full potential.
The ability to influence, manage and challenge ideas and existing business processes.
Experience implementing systems &/or process changes and training.
Knowledge
Strategic sourcing experience essential
Sound knowledge across the Microsoft office suite.
Technical Packaging experience
Strong business insight - understanding of business strategies and processes.
Strong financial acumen- key business drivers, budgeting, and forecasting.
Good understanding of legal systems, processes, and supply agreements.
Demonstrated successful use of TCO analysis, risk management, responsible sourcing, and Supplier Relationship Management (SRM).
Strong understanding of the value chain in an FMCG or manufacturing environment, plan, source, make, and deliver.
Enthusiastic about sustainability and the prosperity we can deliver to people, pets our planet.
Experience
Minimum 5 years of packaging buying experience, preferably in paper & /or metal packaging.
Cross-functional experience to understand the "bigger picture"
Over a sustained period (2-3 years) has proven success in delivering competitive advantage through the development and implementation of sourcing strategies.
Knowledge of sustainable materials and recycling compatibility
Eternal packaging experience & sourcing using digital e-sourcing tools would be of immense value are not required, but would be highly regarded.
Other Key Success Factors
Enables Procurement team performance.
Creates, supports, and leverages a culture of inclusive practices and behaviours.
Ability to travel as required.
What's on Offer
On offer is the chance to be part of a dyamic team in a busy organisation. This role will offer you a wide variety of responsibilities and may lead to a team leadership role in the future. There's a mid to high salary range for this position with super and a bonus on top too.