DescriptionThe
Category Manager - Paper & Packaging Procurement will lead strategic sourcing and supplier management for the McNairn paper, foil, and related raw-material portfolio supporting the Whitby, Ontario and Westfield, Massachusetts operations. The role is accountable for category strategy, cost and savings delivery, supply continuity, supplier performance, market intelligence, contracting, and cross-functional support for customer and commercialization opportunities. Deep paper-category knowledge is essential to independently assess specifications, supplier capabilities, cost drivers, technical tradeoffs, and sourcing risks across the portfolio. This is a strategic procurement role and is not responsible for routine purchase-order processing or daily plant purchasing.
While this role is remote, we are prioritizing candidates in the greater Philadelphia area, as well as in Westfield, MA or Whitby, Ontario.
What you will do in this role:- Develop and execute category strategies for paper, baking and grease-resistant papers, wax and poly-coated papers, aluminum foil, corrugate, ink, adhesives, and other assigned raw materials.
- Own strategic supplier relationships, including negotiations, contracts, QBRs, performance scorecards, risk reviews, capacity planning, and executive escalations.
- Lead sourcing events, supplier qualification, dual-sourcing, localization, specification optimization, and cost-modeling initiatives.
- Deliver annual cost savings, cost avoidance, working-capital, and payment-term objectives with clear tracking and Finance validation.
- Monitor pulp, paper, aluminum, energy, freight, tariff, and trade developments and translate market changes into sourcing recommendations and cost forecasts.
- Protect continuity of supply through supplier risk assessments, contingency plans, alternate materials, and qualified backup sources.
- Partner with Operations, Planning, Product Management, Sales, Finance, Quality, R&D, and Legal on customer RFPs, commercialization, trials, specifications, claims, and supplier agreements.
- Maintain accurate category documentation, including spend analysis, contracts, pricing, supplier contacts, sourcing pipelines, project status, and category-review materials.
- Support supplier innovation, sustainability, and value-engineering opportunities that improve margin, quality, service, or product performance.
- Travel to McNairn facilities (Westfield, MA and Whitby, Ontario) and strategic suppliers as business needs require.
RequirementsSkills and Experience that lends well to this role:- 5-7 years of experience in strategic sourcing or category management, ideally in paper, packaging, or manufacturing
- Deep understanding of category management, marketing, and sales principles
- Knowledge of specialty papers for food applications, such as grease-resistant, siliconized, or direct food-contact grades (bakery paper experience is a plus but not required)
- Experience with BI tools, forecasting, and market analysis; strong analytical and commercial acumen
- Experience managing supply risk through contingency planning, tariff mitigation, and supplier risk assessments
- Experience sourcing materials internationally (aluminum is a plus)
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
- A track record of delivering measurable cost savings
- Experience managing supply risk through contingency planning, tariff mitigation, and supplier risk assessments
- Experience sourcing materials internationally (aluminum is a plus)
- Ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and with internal teams such as Planning, Quality, and Operations
- Strong Excel and PowerPoint skills, and comfort working through system changes and integrations
- Willingness to travel to Westfield, MA, Whitby, ON, and supplier sites as needed
- Bachelor's degree preferred
