Category Manager Packaging Procurement

Who we are? As the world's largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide.

Our Culture

• CAP employees make a meaningful difference by partnering with colleagues customers and members on challenging and rewarding work

• CAP provides its employees with an energetic and collaborative work environment and encourage opportunities to further develop their skills—offering reimbursement for educational programs and participation in events that enhance your skills

• We offer a generous compensation and benefits package, 401K, and more -- visit Careers at the CAP (https://www.cap.org/careers-at-the-cap) for more details

Brief Description

The Category Manager Packaging Procurement is responsible for:

This is a high-impact, strategic procurement role for an experienced packaging professional who wants to shape category strategy, influence cross-functional decisions, and deliver measurable business value. You will own the packaging category end to end—strategy, sourcing, supplier partnerships, cost optimization, and innovation—while directly supporting operational excellence, customer experience, and sustainability goals.

If you thrive in a role where you are expected to lead , not just execute, and where your packaging expertise is valued as a strategic capability, this role is designed for you.

Specific Duties

Primary duties and responsibilities:

Category Strategy & Procurement Leadership

• Own and execute multi-year category strategies for packaging materials, including corrugate, thermal and cold-chain packaging, EPS, protective packaging, and custom labeling/branding.

• Serve as the primary decision-maker for category roadmaps balancing cost, quality, service, innovation, and sustainability.

• Lead complex sourcing initiatives (RFP/RFQ), supplier selection, negotiations, and contract execution.

• Apply Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) , should-cost analysis, and market benchmarking to drive informed sourcing decisions.

• Expand and strengthen the supplier base, including onboarding qualified domestic and international suppliers to improve resiliency.

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

• Own supplier relationship management, including QBRs, scorecards, and performance improvement plans.

• Drive accountability for cost, quality, delivery, service levels, and risk mitigation.

• Build strategic supplier partnerships focused on innovation, sustainability, and packaging optimization .

• Proactively assess supplier risk and develop contingency plans for critical materials.

Cost Optimization & Market Intelligence

• Monitor and analyze market drivers (corrugate, resin, EPS, freight, and related indices).

• Identify and execute opportunities for cost reduction, packaging optimization, and supply base rationalization.

• Partner with internal teams and suppliers to reduce waste, improve cube utilization, and support sustainability initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a trusted advisor to Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, R&D/Product Development, Finance, and Marketing.

• Translate business needs into scalable packaging solutions that support operational efficiency and product launches.

• Provide subject-matter expertise on packaging design, materials, and supplier capabilities.

Contracting, Procurement, Governance & Continuous Improvement

• Own the full contract lifecycle for packaging suppliers, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and governance standards.

• Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives across sourcing processes, supplier collaboration, and category performance.

• Champion innovation in sustainable materials, cold-chain efficiency, and cost-effective packaging design.

Key Relationships

• Supplier executives and operational leaders

• Procurement and supply chain teams

• Operations, Quality, R&D/Product Development, Finance, and Marketing stakeholders

• Organizational leadership and committee staff

Knowledge/Skills Required/Preferred

Core Competencies

• Strategic category management and sourcing expertise

• Advanced negotiation and supplier relationship management

• Strong analytical and financial acumen

• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities

Technical Skills

• Strategic sourcing methodologies including TCO modeling and should-cost analysis

• Supplier performance management and risk assessment

• Market intelligence and commodity tracking

• Experience with ERP and e-sourcing platforms

• Ability to build dashboards and category KPI reporting

Education/Experience

E ducation/Experience/Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Operations, or related field required

• 5+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management

• Direct experience sourcing packaging materials and packaging suppliers strongly preferred

• CPSM or equivalent certification preferred

Additional Criteria

• 10-20% travel required including, but not limited to supplier audits and tradeshows

• This position is based out of the Northfield, IL office. Candidates must reside within 75 miles of the Northfield headquarters and meet in-office requirements.

Salary Range: $87,000 - $118,000

Equal Opportunity Employer The CAP is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, age, ancestry, disability or genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship status, order of protection status, homelessness, or any other characteristic protected by federal law and the applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act Equal Employment Opportunity Employee Polygraph Protection Act

Job Details

Job Family Operations

Pay Type Salary

Travel Percentage 20