Packaging Category Manager

Why do we need you?

The Packaging Category Manager manages defined categories of packaging spend all businesses of Saint-Gobain North America (SGNA) ~130 plants. The Category Manager will be responsible for all aspects of category management for these strategic and complex purchases with an annual spend of ~ $80M, heavily focused on corrugated and paper-based products. Packaging includes several sub-categories with diverse specifications across multiple Business Units and represents a significant opportunity for cost reductions and process improvements under a centrally managed program. This role will lead all sourcing, contract and price negotiations, supplier management, reporting (savings, compliance, and other KPIs), and supplier value added/value engineered activities. Also, the individual will work closely with the Saint-Gobain Achats team based in Paris to coordinate purchasing activities and strategies at the global and North America levels.

The candidate must be able to propose solutions to Business Units problems while leveraging the overall spend of these categories to deliver savings and drive compliance. Must understand the technical requirements of the diverse Business Units to provide a world-class level of support to business units that are internal customers, while delivering maximum savings. This position should challenge the status quo and look creatively for savings opportunities throughout the categories managed. Must be able to lead teams and drive toward consensus and compliance. The Category Manager position requires an experienced professional with technical expertise and very good interpersonal skills to work with both internal and external stakeholders. Must be a change agent within the Purchasing organization.

Sourcing, negotiations, project management:

• Identify spend, develop sourcing strategy, and lead all sourcing, supplier negotiations, contract negotiations, and supplier selection to minimize the total purchasing costs associated with this category for all Saint-Gobain North America businesses. Strategic category management including a detailed understanding of the technical aspects of the commodity, global supply conditions, Business Unit requirements for inventory, inventory control, current market pricing and associated trends, potential deployment of LCC strategy and global commodity dynamics.
• Drive compliance for the Packaging category
• Assist SGNA Operations, R&D and Product Management teams in projects involving Packaging changes, improvements or NPD, or VAVE.
• Link closely with Global Category Management in Paris global HQ for setting strategies, goals and sharing best practices.

Strategic Category Management:

• Deep understanding of the various Packaging markets, players and category and knowledge sharing with the sites.
• Create and maintain category strategies taking into account industry trends and market conditions by category.
• Develop and manage supply base in conjunction with the sites.
• Manage forecasts and budgets for all businesses to feed Long Range Plan, annual budgets and RF's throughout the year.
• Publish regular newsletters showing status of compliance, sourcing projects, best practices etc.
• Manage pricing effectively by providing updates, verifying price evolution vs contracts etc. for all SGNA Business Units.

• The position requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a business-related field (business, finance, supply chain).
• A minimum of 5+ years of experience in a Procurement role for Packaging or Raw Materials.
• Knowledge of the Packaging-related commodities (lumber, paper, plastics) is a plus.
• Strong analytical and project management skills are required, along with excellent communication skills and leadership through influence.
• Individual must be a self-starter and a skilled negotiator with strategic thinking skills.
• An ability to work in a matrix environment and coordinate projects across sites and Business Units is critical.

At Saint-Gobain, our employees have pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, & Collaboration. Our company encourages diversity and inclusion in all its forms while our products make the world a more beautiful, safer, and sustainable home

Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.