Logistics Procurement Category Manager

Who We Are

IPL is a global leading sustainable packaging solutions provider that manufactures specialty rigid packaging products used in the food, consumer, agricultural, logistics and environmental markets. Sustainability is essential to the long-term success of our business. As a packaging company that develops plastic-based solutions for our customers, it is imperative that we meet the customer needs while being mindful of our operational impacts and the need to preserve our planet. We are committed to running our business responsibly and in ways that drive environmental, social and economic value for our stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, employees and local communities. We employ over 2,500 people in 17 manufacturing facilities, 2 corporate & sales offices and 3 R&D facilities across Canada, Europe, and the United States.

Read more about our story at: www.iplglobal.com

The role

Reporting to the VP of Supply chain the Logistics Procurement Category Manager will be responsible for driving change across logistics, warehousing and rolling stock strategies. Change management will be a key part of this role as you will be responsible for implementing new systems and ways of working across our 10 North American sites.

Please note that this is a remote role that will require travel.

As a Logistics Category Manager At IPL You Will

• Strategic Sourcing and Logistics Strategy - The Logistics Category Manager is responsible for developing and implementing end-to-end logistics, warehousing, and rolling stock strategies across North American sites. Ensuring alignment with global organizational objectives and maximize business impact by reducing costs, improving efficiencies, and driving commercial alignment.
• Stakeholder Collaboration - Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including customer service, commercial units, and on-site shipping managers, ensures consistent execution of the logistics strategy. The manager works to integrate these strategies into the long-term business plan while fostering a cohesive approach across the organization.
• Supplier Relationship and Risk Management - Building resilient supply networks through strategic partnerships is a core responsibility. The manager works closely with the Procurement Director to understand and mitigate risks within the supply chain, ensuring continuity of operations and supporting company growth, including mergers and acquisitions.
• Performance and KPI Management - Defining and monitoring KPIs on a site-specific basis is essential to measure the success of short-, medium-, and long-term plans. Regular progress updates and data-driven insights are communicated across organizational levels to ensure alignment and accountability.
• Cost Management and Budget Oversight - Managing the category budget involves monitoring expenses, analyzing variances, and implementing corrective actions to ensure cost control and financial target adherence. Additionally, the manager identifies opportunities to reduce costs, improve processes, and enhance service levels within logistics and warehousing functions.
• Continuous Improvement and Sustainability - Driving continuous improvement is a key focus, with efforts to optimize efficiency through ERP system variables, inventory management, and high-performance warehouse operations. The manager also identifies opportunities to incorporate environmentally sustainable logistics practices, aligning with the company's sustainability goals.
• Compliance and Regulatory Alignment - Ensuring compliance with logistics and transportation laws and regulations is critical to maintaining operational integrity. The manager ensures all activities meet the necessary legal standards while supporting efficient inter-site transfers and inventory integrity.
• Leadership and Communication - Providing leadership to warehouse managers and fostering high-performing teams is integral to delivering continuous improvement and cost reductions. Strong communication across teams facilitates the exchange of information, enabling effective implementation of changes and improvements that add value across the organization.
  
  

What You Will Bring To The Role

• Professional qualification (CIPS, EIPM, ISM etc.)
• Related bachelor's degree, or master’s degree in a related field preferred and/or prior experience as Senior Logistics Manager, Warehouse manager or similar.
• Extensive operational experience – able to understand operational processes, customer requirements and technical attributes of the product range.
• Commercially and financially astute; experience in multisite P&L management with clear ability to forecast, manage budgets and costs.
• Results orientated with the ability to plan and prioritize multiple projects of self and others and to deliver against objectives and deadlines.
• Able to successfully lead and implement change, structure, and process and take a common-sense approach to encouraging continual cultural, technological, and operational transformation.
• Comfortable working both at a strategic and a tactical level, with a demonstrated ability to be hands on and remain close to sales and operations.
• ERP experience (IFS advantageous but not essential).
• WaDaCo experience.
• Ability to travel as needed
  
  

If you have the above experience and are looking for a role where you can impact change apply today to find out more!