Regional Category Manager - Packaging Category (North America)

The Company

Imerys is the world’s leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions for the industry with €3.8 billion in revenue and 13,700 employees in 54 countries in 2023. The Group offers high value-added and functional solutions to a wide range of industries and fast-growing markets such as solutions for the energy transition and sustainable construction, as well as natural solutions for consumer goods. Imerys draws on its understanding of applications, technological knowledge, and expertise in material science to deliver solutions which contribute essential properties to customers’ products and their performance. As part of its commitment to responsible development, Imerys promotes environmentally friendly products and processes in addition to supporting its customers in their decarbonization efforts.

The Position

Job Summary

JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE

The NA Packaging Regional Category Manager is in charge to coordinate (or manage directly) purchases of Packaging related in the region of North America (US-Canada-Mexico), with an average spend of USD 45 Million (USD 35 Million in 2023), which includes as follows: Paper bags, FIBC bags, pallets, and plastics packaging.

This individual will implement common processes, metrics and reporting across his/her area based on the Imerys Group Purchasing Policy and Packaging Category strategy. This person will serve as a transformation leader in his/her regional area and executioner for key critical projects in the region.

The RCM shall drive and implement sourcing projects related packaging and qualification processes needed. He/she will also support drive some specific cross-functional efforts in collaboration with ICube (Imerys Continuous Improvement team) and site operations to reduce costs, increase standardisation and drive sustainability agenda in packaging.

JOB SCOPE/DIMENSIONS

USD 45 Million spend / annum
40+ sites across US-Canada-Mexico
Packaging category covering bulk bags, paper bags, palette, plastic bag, cover and films

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop strategy for key sub-categories ; implement category management and phases of continuous sourcing process
- starting with collecting the needs from the different sites (either directly or though the PPM / local buyers site network and operations team), in some cases challenging the needs and specification as well.
- identify and monitor the market to understand the market dynamics and identify new suppliers
- Identify, manage and execute a pipeline of strategic sourcing projects in the Packaging category areas of North America to minimize Total Cost of Ownership and maximize value (identified as cost reduction, cost avoidance and overall cost improvement program), which may include introducing and developing alternatives
- In relation to executing key regional sourcing project – capture / improve specification from operations, run a fair Request for Quotation (RFQ) process, lead negotiation, develop contracts, and preparation of recommendation to award (RTA) adhering to the business management authority rules
- Manage associated regional contract, price application / control, periodical contract review (to quantify supplier performance), including contracts in the ERP. Also take part in the global supplier panel update by reviewing regularly the supply base
- Manage contracts and escalation of issues, as well as develop key regional supplier relationship management (SRM) program under the umbrella of global Purchasing SRM program, ensuring integration of these programs with the Business Area priorities.
As an active member, support cross-functional standardisation and SKU rationalization projects from the business (project POSH)Based on direction from Group Purchasing Director Chemical and Packaging, follow and implement purchasing policy, category strategy/program/processes, and purchasing tools (e.g: e-catalogue; e-purchasing, etc..) to increase visibility, value and efficiency of the overall Imerys purchasing organization.
During the Budget & forecast phase (if necessary), communicate global and regional market indicator for the respective Business Areas
In the time of crisis, help support coordination and assessment of different sites inventory in relation to critical packaging material
Availability of 30% of the time to travel by visiting Imerys suppliers and sites in NA.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education and Experience Requirements

This position will require someone who has a purchasing background, fresh graduates can be considered.

5-10 years’ experience in purchasing, preferably with expertise and specialization in paper bags & FIBC bags, as well as knowledge in pallets
Experience in leading regional projects based on category management and group purchasing approach
Understanding of packaging markets in US, Mexico and Canada ; global drivers, regional issues.
Bachelor’s degree required in Engineering or Business - Master’s in Business, Industrial or consulting background is a bonus.
Strategic sourcing experience, including successful experience in a multinational group.
Excellent, demonstrated collaboration and relationship-building skills, good in communication, leadership and convincing skills.
Very strong analytic and negotiation skills, process oriented.
Excellent use of google suite (preferable) and/or microsoft office tools
fluent in English, ability to speak French or Spanish is a plus

Knowledge, skills, Imerys Leadership Behaviors

Leads self (detail more specifically the content of ILB needed for the position) : self-starter, able to deal with complexity and manage time with little supervision

Leads others : able to lead and manage other people in a project context, in some cases more senior operations leaders/managers

Communicates and collaborates : Ability to collaborate with strong, defined technical resources and leaders, as well as plant and mine leaders

Deliver results : able to deliver result through reinforcement of process and tools with a sense of practical business application

Drives improvements : Contribute and active participant in driving the improvement in the category and support the category team overall

Position Type

Full time

and

Permanent

Only technical issues will be monitored through the below inbox:

recruiting.support@ imerys.com

PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT RESUMES OR APPLICATIONS TO THIS EMAIL, AS THEY WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.

To ensure fairness and legal compliance in our recruitment processes, only applications received through the online application process will be considered.

IMERYS is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and it is our policy to not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.