Category Manager

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Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly. Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of integrity, respect, accountability and excellence, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.

The opportunity:

As a Category Manager for OEM & Lifecycle team, you will oversee an annual category spend of $300 – 500 million at operations across North America. You will be instrumental in optimizing procurement strategies and ensuring the seamless supply of OEM parts, repairs and associated operational services. Your primary objectives include managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and driving cost efficiencies while maintaining high standards of quality and reliability for the company’s operations. A typical day involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand the needs of stakeholders, analyzing market trends, and implementing strategic sourcing initiatives. You will play a crucial role in aligning procurement activities with the broader organizational goals, contributing to operational excellence, continuous improvement and sustainability. This role requires strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, negotiations, and the ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Create and manage the strategic procurement and sourcing process for categories in OEM & Lifecycles Services, including demand and market analysis, sourcing, negotiations, supplier award, implementation and performance.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define business requirements and understand operational needs.
• Gather, cleanse, and analyze data from multiple systems to generate insights and recommendations that drive decision-making.
• Understand market trends, supplier base, and supplier economics for categories.
• Develop and execute category strategies and strategic plans leveraging market and spend data, information about suppliers, competitors, industry trends, and the company’s needs.
• Clearly articulate the value of the category strategy and how it aligns to the organization’s objectives.
• Perform assessments of suppliers and vendors to identify risks and implications.
• Lead strategic sourcing process, including supplier sourcing, negotiation, selection, and implementation processes.
• Negotiate final agreements that are consistent with achieved negotiated results. Ensure agreements contain provisions that meet Company’s objectives and standards.
• Drive cost savings and continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining product quality and reliability.
• Measure and track results and outcomes using data from multiple systems.
• Monitor field compliance to strategy and ensure TCO reductions are realized.
• Forecast budgetary impact and track actual savings.
• Work with stakeholders to ensure savings are incorporated into annual operating plans.
• Implement inventory management practices to optimize stock levels, reduce inventories and reduce lead times.
• Continuously improve procurement processes and drive productivity gains.
• Meet with suppliers to conduct regular business reviews and stay updated on business and upcoming changes that may affect Smurfit Westrock and suppliers in assigned categories.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to handle supply chain disruptions and ensure business continuity.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, industry regulations, and ethical standards in all procurement activities.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of category management strategies and initiatives.

What you need to succeed:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, or supply chain management roles.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders to align procurement strategies with project objectives.
• Exceptional negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent leadership and team-building skills.
• Experience working with consultants to support sourcing activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel as needed (domestic and international)
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Preferred: Certifications in procurement, sourcing or supply chain management (e.g. CPSM, CSCP)

What we offer:

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

Smurfit Westrock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create and maintain a diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Smurfit Westrock does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

Smurfit Westrock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create and maintain a diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Smurfit Westrock does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.