Job Description / Category Manager - OEM & Lifecycle Services Procurement
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. Learn more at www.Smurfit [1] Westrock.com.
The opportunity:
As a Category Manager for the OEM & Lifecycle Services team, you will oversee an annual category spend of $150 - 250 million at operations across North America. You will be instrumental in optimizing procurement strategies and ensuring the seamless supply of controls, automation, mechanical, civil, electrical and infrastructure parts and 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\u2019s 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 broader organizational goals, contributing to operational excellence and continuous improvement. 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:
\u2022 Create and manage the strategic procurement and sourcing process for categories in the OEM & Lifecycle parts and services, including demand and market analysis, sourcing, negotiations, supplier award, implementation and performance.
\u2022 Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define business requirements and understand operational needs.
\u2022 Gather, cleanse, and analyze data from multiple systems to generate insights and recommendations that drive decision-making.
\u2022 Understand market trends, supplier base, and supplier economics for categories.
\u2022 Develop and execute category strategies and strategic plans leveraging market and spend data, information about suppliers, competitors, industry trends, and the company\u2019s needs.
\u2022 Clearly articulate the value of the category strategy and how it aligns to the organization\u2019s objectives.
\u2022 Perform assessments of suppliers and vendors to identify risks and implications.
\u2022 Lead strategic sourcing process, including supplier sourcing, negotiation, selection, and implementation processes.
\u2022 Negotiate final agreements that are consistent with achieved negotiated results. Ensure agreements contain provisions that meet Company\u2019s objectives and standards.
\u2022 Drive cost savings and continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining product quality and reliability.
\u2022 Measure and track results and outcomes using data from multiple systems.
\u2022 Monitor field compliance to strategy and ensure TCO reductions are realized.
\u2022 Forecast budgetary impact and track actual savings.
\u2022 Work with stakeholders to ensure savings are incorporated into annual operating plans.
\u2022 Implement inventory management practices to optimize stock levels, reduce inventories and reduce lead times.
\u2022 Continuously improve procurement processes and drive productivity gains.
\u2022 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.
\u2022 Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to handle supply chain disruptions and ensure business continuity.
\u2022 Ensure adherence to company policies, industry regulations, and ethical standards in all procurement activities.
\u2022 Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of category management strategies and initiatives.
What you need to succeed:
\u2022 Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, or supply chain management roles.
\u2022 Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders to align procurement strategies with project objectives.
\u2022 Negotiation and contract management skills.
\u2022 Team-building skills.
\u2022 Experience working with consultants to support sourcing activities.
\u2022 Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
\u2022 Ability to travel as needed
\u2022 Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
Preferred Competencies:
\u2022 Certifications in procurement, sourcing or supply chain management (e.g. CPSM, CSCP)
\u2022 Paper Mill operational knowledge in the areas of controls, automation, infrastructure (roofing, construction)
\u2022 Customer Focused - Demonstrates a high level of service excellence, does what is necessary to ensure customer satisfaction; reinforces excellence as a fundamental priority. Understands and works to meet customer requirements. Listens to and responds to customers\u2019 needs. Build relationships with and gains trust of customer by always meeting commitments.
\u2022 Communication - Clearly presents information through oral and written communication, reads and interprets complex information; talks with employees, customers, and suppliers; demonstrates strong listening skills.
\u2022 Planning/Prioritizing/Goal Setting - Manages multiple projects, prioritizes project urgency in a meaningful and practical way. Use goals to guide actions and create action plans. Organizes and schedules people and tasks. Communicates vision in a way that inspires and motivates others.
\u2022 Influence/Persuasion - Exhibits a \u2018can-do\u2019 approach and inspires employees to excel, uses competition to encourage others. Develops performance standards and confronts negative attitudes. Fosters a team spirit, uses tact when expressing ideas or opinions, presents new ideas to authority figures, adapts presentation to suit a particular audience, responds to objections successfully.
\u2022 Decision Making/Problem-Solving - Acts in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of issues, able to use reason even when dealing with emotional or sensitive subjects. Reviews facts and weighs options, focuses on process rather than isolated events.
What we offer:
\u2022 Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
\u2022 Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
\u2022 An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential
\u2022 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.
References
Visible links
//Westrock.com
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
