Packaging Category Manager

PACKAGING CATEGORY MANAGER

Department: Procurement / Supply Chain
Reports To: Procurement Manager / Head of Procurement
Industry: Food Manufacturing
Location: KZN
Employment Type: Permanent

1. JOB PURPOSE

To develop and implement the packaging category procurement strategy, ensuring the cost-effective, reliable and sustainable sourcing of packaging materials while meeting the company's quality, food safety, technical and operational requirements.

The role is responsible for strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, cost optimisation and packaging innovation to support manufacturing efficiency and business profitability.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Category Management

• Develop and implement the packaging procurement strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Manage packaging spend, budgets, forecasts and annual cost-saving targets.
• Identify sourcing opportunities, supplier consolidation and alternative materials.
• Monitor packaging commodity trends and market pricing.

Supplier and Commercial Management

• Identify, evaluate and manage strategic packaging suppliers.
• Lead supplier negotiations, tenders and contract agreements.
• Monitor supplier performance, pricing, quality and delivery.
• Develop strategic supplier partnerships and alternative supply arrangements.

Cost Optimisation and Innovation

• Identify packaging cost-reduction opportunities without compromising quality.
• Drive value engineering, material optimisation and packaging standardisation.
• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Technical and Production on new packaging development.
• Identify sustainable, recyclable and cost-effective packaging solutions.

Quality and Operational Support

• Ensure packaging materials meet approved specifications and food-contact requirements.
• Work with Quality Assurance and Technical teams on supplier approvals and audits.
• Ensure compliance with applicable South African food safety and packaging regulations.
• Work with Production Planning and Supply Chain to maintain packaging availability.
• Manage supply risks, lead times and inventory levels to prevent production interruptions.

3. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum qualifications:

• National Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Purchasing Management, Business Management or a related field.
• CIPS qualification or equivalent professional procurement certification will be advantageous.
• Packaging Technology or Materials Science qualification will be advantageous.

Experience:

• 5–7 years' experience in procurement, strategic sourcing or category management.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in packaging procurement or packaging category management.
• Food manufacturing or FMCG experience is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience in supplier negotiations, contract management and cost optimisation.

4. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of flexible packaging, plastics, films, paper, board, cartons, labels and other food packaging materials.
• Understanding of food-contact packaging requirements and packaging specifications.
• Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing and supplier management.
• Understanding of HACCP, GMP and food safety principles.
• Commercial, financial and analytical skills.
• ERP experience, preferably SAP, Syspro or equivalent.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

5. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Achievement of annual packaging procurement savings targets.
• Packaging cost reduction and value engineering initiatives.
• Supplier delivery and quality performance.
• Packaging availability and reduction in production interruptions.
• Supplier contract and specification compliance.
• Packaging inventory optimisation and reduction of obsolete stock.
• Successful implementation of packaging innovation initiatives.

6. KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Strategic thinking and analytical ability.
• Supplier relationship management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset.
• High levels of integrity and accountability.

Additional requirements: Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel to suppliers and manufacturing sites when required.