The ideal candidate will define and lead the category strategy and oversee complex negotiations for plastic packaging. As Senior Manager, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of vendor spend across all our brands. This role combines strategic planning with hands-on execution, requiring you to define business requirements and lead cross-functional negotiations. With global responsibility for subcategory sourcing, you will drive high-impact initiatives within assigned spend areas and manage strategic supplier relationships to efficiently deliver on the category vision.
Key Responsibilities:
Analyze critical spend across brands to develop a comprehensive category plan and identify strategic sourcing project pipelines within the assigned category.
Develop and implement an annual category strategy that delivers measurable year-over-year improvements in cost, quality, and alignment with business priorities.
Leverage the category strategy development and procurement tools to execute defined sourcing initiatives.
Develop and nurture strong supplier relationships to ensure supply continuity, cost optimization, and ongoing improvement.
Conduct annual performance reviews with key strategic suppliers, assessing service, quality, ESG, and delivery performance against commitments.
Collaborate with suppliers to identify and implement innovative solutions that drive growth and enhance brand equity.
Prepare executive-level presentations to quantify the potential benefits of strategic sourcing projects and document achieved results.
Lead strategic business reviews with senior executives and key suppliers to ensure supplier performance aligns with contracted obligations and service levels.
Qualifications:
Over 7 years of business experience, including at least 3 years in supply chain or strategic sourcing; experience in retail, service, multi-outlet food and beverage, or digital and technology industries is highly preferred.
Postgraduate qualifications (MBA) are highly regarded.
Demonstrated track record of leadership, business acumen, and strategic thinking with a proven ability to deliver results.
Expertise in high-level negotiation and advanced analytical problem-solving.
Proven negotiation skills with a track record of achieving cost savings and delivering value through strategic sourcing and supplier management.
Knowledge of supply chain risk management principles, including supplier risk assessment, market intelligence, and scenario planning.
Proficiency in procurement systems and tools such as SAP or similar platforms.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels.
Strategic mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Deep understanding of sustainable sourcing practices and experience implementing initiatives that promote environmental and social impact.
Exceptional interpersonal skills with experience working in global teams to achieve revenue, profit, and growth objectives.