Category Manager, Packaging

Job Summary

The Category Manager, Packaging role is an influential position within Tarkett North America’s Corporate sourcing function that will be responsible for the development and execution of commercially competitive and sustainable packaging solutions ($20M). Working as an individual contributor, this position is accountable for working with functional stakeholders across Tarkett’s business units with the intent to identify and leverage spend requirements across the North American Region in order to develop and execute high-performing category strategies achieving best-delivered cost, operational efficiencies, quality and VA/VE outcome(s). This candidate will provide subject matter expertise and guidance in order to deliver innovative packaging solutions in accordance with, and support of the commercial category strategies they develop.

Specific duties include:

• Identify innovative packaging solutions across the Enterprise with a focus on TCO modeling, sustainability, risk, and significant net structural cost improvements.
• Ability to lead and execute value add/value engineering (VA/VE) programs specific to design to cost activities within the packaging category, across several technical competencies (i.e., light weighting, etc.)
• Develop, lead, and execute category plan and sourcing strategy (Plan to Strategy) for Packaging and Packaging related goods and services.
• Develop contract strategies (Source to Contract) and effectively negotiate key commercial and supply positions for Packaging and Packaging related goods and services.
• Utilize the 7 Step Sourcing process in order to address all relevant category management activities and life-cycle requirements from business case initiation to category strategy execution to disposition of strategy where necessary
• Assemble, coordinate and lead cross-functional and functional stakeholder councils, in order to properly vet, execute and secure continued performance of category management and sourcing strategies
• Analyze market dynamics to understand upstream cost drivers and its effect on cost and market capacity, develop mitigation strategies where necessary
• Establish category KPI targets (Cost, Quality, Productivity, Service Level Control) and supplier scorecard programs in order to quantify the performance and value return of category management strategies
• Design control plan in order to measure utilization to supply strategy, quantify the correlative effect of programs specific to cost and P&L outcomes, establish corrective action recommendations to support resolve
• Conduct and lead supplier business reviews to address defined KPIs and targeted business outcomes
• Establish benchmark measures at the start of the project and track success, including cycle times, lead times, savings, improved delivery and simplified processes.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s in Business, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Finance, Engineering or other equivalent experience (MBA Preferred)
• Minimum of 5 years of Production, Sourcing or Engineering experience within a leading or influential capacity
• Ability to travel an estimated 25% (max.)
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in leading cross-functional, or functional teams within a multi-factory environment.
• Knowledge of packaging cost driver dynamics and influencing market and technology trends
• Ability to design effective, fact-based business case justifications with the capacity to drive and steer group decisions
• Experience and a track record of success in delivering cradle to grave category management strategies for Packaging programs & delivered cost reduction outcomes.
• Ability to drive market benchmarking & cost modeling analytics to support budget forecasting, cost mitigation, and process improvement strategies
• Ability to establish organizational objectives and relevant metrics
• Demonstrated ability to resolve complex process/systems problems
• Demonstrated project management skills, project planning, scheduling and tracking
• Experienced in creation, negotiation, and administration of contracts
• Proven ability to communicate and work effectively across many functional groups, i.e. Operations, Quality, Finance, Risk, Legal, etc.
• Strong negotiation skills, excellent written, and interpersonal communication skills
  
  

What We Offer

• A commitment that Safety is #1
• Competitive benefits, pay, and retirement plan options!
• Career growth, stability, and flexible work arrangements.
  
  

Responsible Manufacturing – Protecting Our Planet for the Future

• We utilize renewable energy and a closed loop recycled water process.
• We are committed to reducing greenhouse emissions and water consumption.
• We are the only flooring company recognized by the Asthma and Allergy foundation.
  
  

Who we are:

With a history of 140 years, Tarkett is a worldwide leader in innovative flooring and sport surface solutions with 12,000 employees and 34 industrial sites. Offering a wide range of products including vinyl, linoleum, rubber, carpet, wood, laminate, artificial turf, and athletic tracks. The Group serves customers in more than 100 countries across the globe.

Committed to change the game with circular economy and to reducing its carbon footprint, the Group has implemented an eco-innovation strategy based on Cradle to Cradle® principles, fully aligned with its Tarkett Human-Conscious Design® approach.

Tarkett is listed on Euronext (Compartment B, ISIN FR0004188670, ticker: TKTT). www.tarkett-group.com

Tarkett is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in backgrounds and in experiences and promote an inclusive workplace where all employees can perform at their best.