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The Senior Category Manager - Corporate Services will lead strategic sourcing and supplier management for a critical category encompassing the Consulting & Finance Services category, which represents a significant strategic investment for the organization, with an annual expenditure of approximately $300 million. This category includes critical services that support enterprise-wide initiatives, financial operations, and strategic consulting engagements. This role is pivotal in driving cost efficiencies, compliance, ensuring service quality, and enhancing supplier performance across the enterprise. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker and trusted advisor, capable of independently managing complex projects and fostering strong stakeholder & vendor relationships to support programs success.

Key Responsibilities

* Category Strategy: Develop and execute long-term category strategies aligned with business goals.

Lead category strategy implementation initiatives and identify innovation opportunities.

* Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key suppliers.

Drive joint value creation, innovation, and continuous improvement. Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions as needed.

* Sourcing & Negotiation: Lead complex negotiations independently, balancing cost, quality, and relationship goals.

Manage RFPs and sourcing events using tools like Ariba, JDE, and Icertis.

* Contract & Risk Management: Oversee contract lifecycle management, ensuring compliance and mitigating supplier risks. Integrate risk considerations into sourcing decisions.

* Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Legal, and Finance to align strategies with business needs.

Anticipate stakeholder needs and resolve conflicts to drive consensus.

* Cost optimization Management: Lead savings initiatives and ensure accurate tracking and reporting.

* Data Analysis & Reporting: Use tools such as Excel and Power BI to extract insights and support decision-making.

* Process & System Optimization: Guide stakeholders on procurement systems and processes. Automate workflows and ensure policy adherence.

* Create and deliver presentations to stakeholders and leadership articulating the value of a category strategy or opportunity, the implementation approach, and intended results aligned to organizational goals/objectives

Qualifications

* Bachelor\u2019s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field;

* MBA or equivalent preferred.

* 7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or category management, preferably in HR or corporate services.

* Proven ability to lead complex negotiations and manage high-impact projects independently.

* Strong analytical skills and proficiency in procurement systems (Ariba, JDE, Icertis).

* Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.

* Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional collaboration and supplier performance management.

* Ability to adapt quickly to market and supply chain changes.

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.