Packaging Category Manager (75175)

Job Description

JOB PURPOSE

• To develop and implement the packaging category procurement strategy, ensuring the cost-effective, reliable and sustainable sourcing of packaging materials while meeting the company's quality, food safety, technical and operational requirements
• The role is responsible for strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, cost optimisation and packaging innovation to support manufacturing efficiency and business profitability

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Category Management

• Develop and implement the packaging procurement strategy aligned with business objectives
• Manage packaging spend, budgets, forecasts and annual cost-saving targets
• Identify sourcing opportunities, supplier consolidation and alternative materials
• Monitor packaging commodity trends and market pricing

Supplier and Commercial Management

• Identify, evaluate and manage strategic packaging suppliers
• Lead supplier negotiations, tenders and contract agreements
• Monitor supplier performance, pricing, quality and delivery
• Develop strategic supplier partnerships and alternative supply arrangements

Cost Optimisation and Innovation

• Identify packaging cost-reduction opportunities without compromising quality
• Drive value engineering, material optimisation and packaging standardisation
• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Technical and Production on new packaging development
• Identify sustainable, recyclable and cost-effective packaging solutions

Quality and Operational Support

• Ensure packaging materials meet approved specifications and food-contact requirements
• Work with Quality Assurance and Technical teams on supplier approvals and audits
• Ensure compliance with applicable South African food safety and packaging regulations
• Work with Production Planning and Supply Chain to maintain packaging availability
• Manage supply risks, lead times and inventory levels to prevent production interruptions

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum qualifications:

• National Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Purchasing Management, Business Management or a related field
• CIPS qualification or equivalent professional procurement certification will be advantageous
• Packaging Technology or Materials Science qualification will be advantageous

Experience:

• 5-7 years' experience in procurement, strategic sourcing or category management
• Minimum 3 years' experience in packaging procurement or packaging category management
• Food manufacturing or FMCG experience is strongly preferred
• Proven experience in supplier negotiations, contract management and cost optimisation

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of flexible packaging, plastics, films, paper, board, cartons, labels and other food packaging materials
• Understanding of food-contact packaging requirements and packaging specifications
• Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing and supplier management
• Understanding of HACCP, GMP and food safety principles
• Commercial, financial and analytical skills
• ERP experience, preferably SAP, Syspro or equivalent
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Achievement of annual packaging procurement savings targets
• Packaging cost reduction and value engineering initiatives
• Supplier delivery and quality performance
• Packaging availability and reduction in production interruptions
• Supplier contract and specification compliance
• Packaging inventory optimisation and reduction of obsolete stock
• Successful implementation of packaging innovation initiatives

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
• Strategic thinking and analytical ability
• Supplier relationship management
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset
• High levels of integrity and accountability

Additional requirements: Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel to suppliers and manufacturing sites when required