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Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Procurement Process Equipment Category Manager to join our team. As the Category Manager, you will be responsible for managing the sourcing and category management processes related to equipment used in our manufacturing and operations, which include pulp and paper mills, corrugated and consumer box plants. Your expertise will drive efficiency, cost savings, and supplier performance.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy: Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for Pulp and Paper Equipment, Corrugated and Folding Carton Manufacturing Equipment, and Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls Equipment. Collaborate closely with key stakeholders, including operations and engineering leadership, to align category strategies with business objectives and project requirements.

Category Standards: Define category standards for first-fit capital purchases and retrofits, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and collaborating with engineering teams to integrate the latest technologies and best practices.

Cost Reduction: Identify opportunities to reduce operational costs within the category through process optimization, negotiation, and supplier collaboration. Work closely with operations leadership to understand their needs and challenges, finding innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Inventory Management: Establish and manage inventory strategies for consumables and spares, working in partnership with project procurement teams to ensure the availability of critical components for new projects while minimizing carrying costs for surplus items.

Supplier Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, conducting regular performance reviews, and driving continuous improvement efforts. Collaborate with project procurement teams to select suppliers that align with project-specific requirements and timelines.

Cost Savings: Develop and execute initiatives to achieve cost savings targets within the category, tracking and reporting progress to senior management. Collaborate with project procurement teams to leverage economies of scale and negotiate favorable terms for large-scale project procurements.

Market Analysis: Stay informed about industry trends, market conditions, and emerging technologies related to manufacturing equipment, incorporating findings into category strategies. Share market insights with engineering and operations leadership to inform project planning and decision-making.

Contract Management: Negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers, ensuring favorable terms and conditions for the company. Collaborate with project procurement teams to align contract terms with project requirements and timelines.

Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify and mitigate potential risks within the category, ensuring business continuity and compliance with relevant regulations. Work closely with project procurement teams to assess and manage project-related risks, ensuring timely and cost-effective project execution.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Project Management, Engineering, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management, procurement, or supply chain management.

Demonstrated experience in managing complex manufacturing equipment categories, with a preference given to those support industries with minimal competition amongst key suppliers supporting the industry.

Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain effective supplier relationships.

Knowledge of developing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) models with proven track record of achieving cost savings and process improvements.

Excellent leadership and team management capabilities.

Analytical mindset with the ability to use data-driven insights to make informed decisions.

Effective communication and presentation skills.

Proficiency in procurement software and tools.

Ability to travel internationally up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications:

Conversational fluency in German, Finnish, Spanish or Portuguese

Certification in Lean Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies

Certification in Project Management such as PMP, CAPM, etc.

Certification in Procurement or Supply Management CIPS, CPSM, CICM, etc.

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 safety, loyalty, integrity, and respect, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.

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.