Why do we need you ?
Why do we need you?
The Packaging Category Manager manages defined categories of packaging spend across all Saint-Gobain North America (SGNA) businesses, which include approximately 130 plants. The role involves overseeing all aspects of category management for strategic and complex purchases with an annual spend of around $80M, focusing heavily on corrugated and paper-based products. Packaging encompasses several sub-categories with diverse specifications across multiple Business Units, offering significant opportunities for cost reductions and process improvements through a centralized program. The manager will lead sourcing, contract negotiations, supplier management, reporting (such as savings, compliance, and KPIs), and supplier value-added activities. Additionally, the role requires close collaboration with the Saint-Gobain Achats team in Paris to coordinate purchasing strategies at both global and North American levels.
The ideal candidate should be able to propose solutions to Business Units' problems while leveraging overall category spend to deliver savings and ensure compliance. They must understand technical requirements across Business Units to provide top-tier support to internal customers and maximize savings. The role demands challenging the status quo and creatively identifying savings opportunities. Leadership skills are essential for driving teams, consensus, and compliance. The position requires a professional with technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders, acting as a change agent within the Purchasing organization.
Sourcing, negotiations, project management:
* Identify spend, develop sourcing strategies, lead sourcing and supplier negotiations, and select suppliers to minimize total purchasing costs for all SGNA businesses. This includes strategic category management with an understanding of technical aspects, global supply conditions, inventory requirements, market trends, and potential deployment of LCC strategies.
* Drive category compliance.
* Assist SGNA Operations, R&D, and Product Management teams with projects involving packaging changes, improvements, NPD, or VAVE initiatives.
* Coordinate closely with Global Category Management in Paris to set strategies, share best practices, and align goals.
Strategic Category Management:
* Develop a deep understanding of packaging markets, key players, and industry trends; share knowledge across sites.
* Create and maintain category strategies considering industry trends and market conditions.
* Develop and manage the supply base in collaboration with sites.
* Manage forecasts and budgets to support Long Range Planning, annual budgets, and RFQs.
* Publish newsletters updating on compliance status, sourcing projects, and best practices.
* Manage pricing by monitoring updates, verifying price changes against contracts, and ensuring accuracy across Business Units.
Is this job for you ?
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in a business-related field (business, finance, supply chain).
* At least 5 years of experience in procurement, specifically in Packaging or Raw Materials.
* Knowledge of packaging-related commodities (lumber, paper, plastics) is advantageous.
* Strong analytical, project management, communication, and leadership skills.
* Self-motivated, skilled negotiator with strategic thinking abilities.
* Ability to coordinate across multiple sites and Business Units within a matrix organization.
A little more about us
At Saint-Gobain, our core values include Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. We foster diversity and inclusion, and our products aim to make the world a more beautiful, safer, and sustainable home.
Legal Statement
Saint-Gobain is committed to equal employment opportunity, providing fair treatment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We support hiring individuals with disabilities and veterans.
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