Position Summary

Polytainers is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Sourcing Category Manager to lead sourcing initiatives for resins and resin-based purchases as well as to drive innovation with sustainable packaging solutions. This individual will serve as the category expert in resin and other category procurement while collaborating cross-functionally with R&D, Product Development, Operations, and Sustainability teams to optimize material selection for current and future needs. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of polymer markets, and a passion for sustainability, leveraging supplier partnerships and market insights to uncover opportunities for innovation, cost reduction, and environmental impact improvement.

The position plays a key role in supporting product development initiatives, advancing sustainability goals, and strengthening supply chain resilience through proactive risk management and strategic supplier engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Sourcing and Management

• Lead procurement activities for all resin-related materials to ensure cost competitiveness, quality, and continuity of supply.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to monitor market trends, secure supply allocations, and negotiate long-term agreements.
• Monitor and report on global raw material market dynamics, including pricing, supply-demand balance, and geopolitical risks.
• Manage resin supply chain including rail, trans-loaders, and scrap vendors.

Material and Sustainability Innovation

• Work closely with internal stakeholders (Product Development, Innovation, Engineering, Operations, and Sustainability) to identify and evaluate alternative resins, recycled materials (PCR), bioplastics, and emerging sustainable materials.
• Identify and engage suppliers and technologies aligned to Polytainers' sustainability roadmap.
• Conduct technical and commercial assessments of new materials, including cost modeling and performance benchmarking.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with R&D and Operations to ensure new materials meet performance, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Act as a strategic partner in product redesign, material optimization, and lightweighting initiatives.
• Support product development projects by developing timely and effective resin sourcing strategies.
• Collaborate with operational purchasing teams to drive continuous process improvements.

Strategic Planning and Risk Mitigation

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with overall business objectives.
• Identify sourcing risks and implement mitigation strategies, including dual sourcing, safety stock planning, and supplier diversification.
• Support sustainability and compliance reporting related to material sourcing.
• Stay current with leading procurement practices and promote the adoption of procurement standards and continuous improvement across the supply chain organization.
• Global Category Strategies ownership. Includes development, implementation, oversight, reviewing/refreshing strategies and updating internal stakeholders/ business partners.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably within the plastics, packaging, or manufacturing industry.
• Experience sourcing polymers, resins, or related raw materials is considered a strong asset.
• Proven ability to negotiate supplier agreements and manage strategic supplier relationships.
• Experience working cross-functionally with technical and operational teams.

This job posting reflects existing vacancy. Details will be clarified during the recruitment process, if selected.

Polytainers does not directly use artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants. However, Polytainers does use Indeed.com to publicly advertise this posting and Indeed.com does use artificial intelligence as part of the screening process. More information about how Indeed.com uses artificial intelligence in their process can be found here: How Indeed Uses AI: Employer Tools and Responsible Use

This position is open to applicants legally authorized to work in Canada.