WestRock

Sr. Mgr, Procurement

WestRock • $100K — $130K *
US-Anywhere
+ 5 other locationsRemote
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 7 years in procurement or supply chain management roles
  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, engineering, or related field; Master's preferred
  • Exceptional negotiation and contract management skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills
  • Willingness to travel as needed (domestic and international)

Responsibilities

  • Oversee $300 - 400 million in annual categories across North America
  • Lead strategic sourcing process and negotiate supplier agreements
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align procurement strategies with business objectives
  • Analyze market trends to inform sourcing strategies
  • Drive total cost savings and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Monitor supplier performance and ensure compliance with agreements
  • Implement inventory management practices to optimize stock levels

Benefits

  • Relocation support available
  • Opportunity to work remotely from several states
  • Collaborative team environment
  • Focus on professional development and career growth
  • Access to technologies and tools that aid in process improvements
Full Job Description
General Information

Job ID
ATR62898

Posting Job Title
Sr. Category Manager

Locations
FL WFH Florida, GA Atlanta Headquarters, NC WFH North Carolina, SC WFH South Carolina, TX WFH Texas, VA WFH Virginia

Employment Type
Full Time

Date Posted
01-Jun-2026

Relocation Support
Yes

Description & Requirements

The opportunity:

As a Senior Category Manager for the CAPEX & OEM Lifecycle team, the individual will oversee annual categories which total $300 - 400 million across North America. The individual will be instrumental in optimizing procurement strategies and ensuring the seamless supply of parts, services and continuous improvement. Your primary objectives include managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and driving cost efficiencies while maintaining high standards of quality and reliability for the company's operations. Additionally, the individual will have primary responsibility for streamlining the team's processes, including sourcing, as well as the overall buying process for this team, specifically related to the procurement of our OEM parts & services. This will require an ability to identify, prioritize and document processes needing improvement. The individual will then work inside the group and with other teams, stakeholders, consultants and external resources to align, organize, motivate and lead ad-hoc cross-functional teams to achieve the goals of the prioritized projects, typically focused on total cost reduction and operational efficiency.

A typical day involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand the needs of stakeholders, analyzing market trends, implementing strategic sourcing initiatives, providing guidance to mill procurement managers, identifying systems and technologies to support process improvement, and collaborating with other teams to improve processes and drive operational efficiency. The individual will play a crucial role in aligning procurement activities with the broader organizational goals of safety, cost take out, availability, quality, performance, and sustainability.

This role requires strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, negotiations, a continuous improvement mindset and the ability to then foster and influence this and other teams to develop a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, operational efficiency.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:
  • Create and manage the strategic procurement and sourcing process for assigned categories in CAPEX an Lifecycle Parts, Equipment and Services, including demand and market analysis, sourcing, negotiations, supplier award, implementation and performance.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define business requirements and understand operational needs.
  • Gather, cleanse, and analyze data from multiple systems to generate insights and recommendations that drive decision-making.
  • Understand market trends, supplier base, and supplier economics for categories.
  • Develop and execute category strategies and strategic plans leveraging market and spend data, information about suppliers, competitors, industry trends, and the company's needs.
  • Clearly articulate the value of the category strategy and how it aligns to the organization's objectives.
  • Perform assessments of suppliers and vendors to identify risks and implications.
  • Lead the strategic sourcing process, including supplier sourcing, negotiations, selection, and implementation of processes for assigned categories.
  • Negotiate final agreements that are consistent with achieved negotiated results. Ensure agreements contain provisions that meet Company's objectives and standards.
  • Drive total cost savings and continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining product quality and reliability.
  • Measure and track results and outcomes using data from multiple systems.
  • Monitor field compliance to strategy and ensure TCO reductions are realized.
  • Forecast budgetary impact and track actual savings.
  • Work with stakeholders to ensure savings are incorporated into annual operating plans.
  • Implement inventory management practices to optimize stock levels, reduce inventories and reduce lead times.
  • Continuously improve procurement processes and drive productivity gains.
  • Meet with suppliers to conduct regular business reviews and stay updated on business and upcoming changes that may affect Smurfit Westrock and suppliers in assigned categories.
  • Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to handle supply chain disruptions and ensure business continuity.
  • Ensure adherence to company policies, industry regulations, and ethical standards in all procurement activities.
  • Working with operations to identify and address unmet needs that align with procurement and business unit goals to deliver long term value
  • Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of category management strategies and initiatives.
  • Recommending and implementing improvements to maximize operating productivity, quality and efficiency while minimizing the total cost of ownership
  • Spearhead initiatives aimed at improving procurement processes, leveraging data analytics and supplier performance metrics to drive results, especially within the Facilities Services categories.
  • Identify and review processes needing improvement, then work inside the group and with other teams and stakeholders to align with and lead those teams to achieve the goal of each project.
  • Provide guidance and tactics for improving the efficiency of assigned categories.


What you need to succeed:
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in procurement, or supply chain management roles.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders to align procurement strategies with project objectives.
  • Exceptional negotiation and contract management skills.
  • Excellent leadership and team-building skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to organize and influence stakeholders and other teams to work toward a common goal.
  • Willingness to travel as needed (domestic and international)
  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).


Preferred Competencies:
  • Certifications in procurement, sourcing or supply chain management (e.g. CPSM, CSCP)
  • Paper Mill operational knowledge
  • Customer Focused - Demonstrates a high level of service excellence, does what is necessary to ensure customer satisfaction; reinforces excellence as a fundamental priority. Understands and works to meet customer requirements. Listens to and responds to customers' needs. Build relationships with and gains trust of customer by always meeting commitments.
  • Communication - Clearly presents information through oral and written communication, reads and interprets complex information; talks with employees, customers, and suppliers; demonstrates strong listening skills.
  • Planning/Prioritizing/Goal Setting - Manages multiple projects, prioritizes project urgency in a meaningful and practical way. Use goals to guide actions and create action plans. Organizes and schedules people and tasks. Communicates vision in a way that inspires and motivates others.
  • Influence/Persuasion - Exhibits a 'can-do' approach and inspires employees to excel, uses competition to encourage others. Develops performance standards and confronts negative attitudes. Fosters a team spirit, uses tact when expressing ideas or opinions, presents new ideas to authority figures, adapts presentation to suit a particular audience, responds to objections successfully.
  • Decision Making/Problem-Solving - Acts in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of issues, able to use reason even when dealing with emotional or sensitive subjects. Reviews facts and weighs options, focuses on process rather than isolated events.

About WestRock

Westrock Coffee Company is an integrated coffee, tea, flavors, extracts, and ingredients solutions provider in the U.S., providing coffee sourcing, supply chain management, product development, roasting, packaging, and distribution services to the retail, foodservice and restaurant, convenience store and travel center, CPG, non-commercial, and hospitality industries.

WestRock Careers

Joining WestRock means becoming part of a global team dedicated to supporting some of the world’s leading companies in packaging and distribution solutions. At WestRock, we believe in fostering an environment of growth, innovation, and leadership, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to advance their careers in a dynamic industry.

Work You’ll Do

At WestRock, your work will directly contribute to our mission of redefining how packaging solutions can drive business success. As part of our team, you will use your skills to collaborate on market-leading projects that focus on sustainability and innovation. With a culture that values diversity and leadership, you will be empowered to lead projects at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and customer engagement.

Join Our Market-Leading Team

Become a part of a team where your ideas and contributions are valued. At WestRock, we are committed to providing job opportunities that enhance your professional skills while promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion. Our team consists of over 50,000 dedicated professionals who are leaders in the packaging industry, driving transformation and delivering results with precision and creativity.

Innovative Work

Engage in work that matters with a company that offers diverse job opportunities, from positions in engineering and design to marketing and supply chain management. WestRock is a place where innovation is at the forefront of what we do, integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Be Part of a Great Team

Working at WestRock means being part of a supportive network that encourages professional growth and development. Enjoy the benefits of a robust internal networking system, diversity training programs, and leadership development opportunities that help you build a fulfilling career.

Future-Proof Your Career

With WestRock, you are not just finding a job; you are building a career. We offer a wide range of career paths, supported by comprehensive training programs and development opportunities that help you grow at every stage of your professional journey. Whether through an internship, entry-level position, or a leadership role, your potential for growth is limitless.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Discover the various career paths WestRock offers. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, explore how your skills and interests align with our needs. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are curious, innovative, and ready to lead.

Stay Connected

Join the WestRock team and stay up-to-date with the latest in industry trends and company news. Search open positions that match your skills and interests, and prepare your resume to take the first step towards a rewarding career at WestRock.

Keep Up to Date

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Join Our Team

Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players ready to make a difference.

SEARCH WESTROCK JOBS

At WestRock, we are more than just a packaging company; we are a team that believes in innovation, sustainability, and driving growth through inclusive and diverse global leadership. Join us, and be part of a company that values what you bring to the table and helps you turn your professional aspirations into reality.
Learn more about WestRock
Size
49,900 employees
Market Cap
$8.8 billion
Industry
Food & Beverages
Net Income
-$677.4 million
Founded
1953
5 Year Trend
+7.4%
Revenue
$17.5 billion
NASDAQ
WRK
* Ladders Estimates

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