Job Title: Packaging Category Manager
Full-time, Work On-site 5 days in the office
Bangkok, SM Tower (BTS Sanam Pao)
Role Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Packaging Category Manager to lead our global packaging procurement strategy. In this role, you will be responsible for developing end-to-end category strategies, driving cost-optimisation initiatives, and managing high-value supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will leverage deep industry insights, technical packaging knowledge, and advanced negotiation skills to secure supply continuity and deliver sustainable value to the business.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
- Category Strategy Development: Formulate and execute robust procurement strategies for the packaging category, ensuring alignment with overall business directions and company goals.
- Cost Modeling & Market Intelligence: Conduct deep-dive cost analyses and closely monitor global raw material indices (e.g., Pulp prices, OCC - Old Corrugated Containers) to leverage insights during commercial negotiations.
- Supply Chain Risk Management: Proactively assess and mitigate risks related to supply shortages, raw material price volatility, and macroeconomic/geopolitical impacts.
2. Supplier Relationship & Contract Management
- Sourcing & Evaluation: Identify, pre-qualify, and evaluate potential suppliers, ensuring factory audits and standards comply with food industry regulations (e.g., GMP, HACCP, BRC, ISO).
- Supplier Relationship Management (SRM): Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key suppliers to maximize mutual value, drive packaging innovation, secure volume allocation, and optimize credit terms.
- Contract Management: Draft and negotiate long-term agreements (LTAs) and establish market-index-linked pricing formulas.
3. Cost Optimization & Project Management
- Cost-Saving Initiatives: Drive continuous improvement and cost-reduction projects. Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D and Production teams on Value Engineering (VE) and new product development (NPD).
Job Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Food Science, Packaging Technology, or a related field.
- 8–10 years of experience in Strategic Sourcing or Category Management.
- Specialised experience in Secondary Packaging / Flexo Printing (Corrugated/Label/Sticker) within the FMCG or Food Industry is highly preferred.
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken) for international supplier management and import operations.
- High proficiency in ERP, SAP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Deep understanding of packaging cost structures and technical aspects (e.g., Flexography printing processes, corrugated paper grades, plastic compounds).
- Advanced commercial negotiation and influential communication skills.
- Strong numerical proficiency with proven experience in data analytics and detailed cost breakdown structures.
