Procurement Category Manager – Packaging Materials (all gender)
What you will enjoy doing
Every day, billions of people around the globe interact with products made possible by ALPLA – step into a strategic role where your sourcing expertise shapes the packaging solutions behind those moments.
This is a highly strategic role that combines category expertise with operational execution to deliver measurable value across the supply chain.
* Develop and implement a robust sourcing strategy for secondary packaging materials (e.g. corrugated packaging, inliners, stretch foils, pallets) across Europe
* Conduct comprehensive market analyses to identify trends, risks, and opportunities within the category, aligning sourcing initiatives with both regional and global objectives
* Lead end-to-end sourcing projects from supplier identification to contract negotiation and implementation, with a focus on cost-efficiency, compliance, and supplier performance
* Build and maintain strategic, long-term supplier relationships to foster innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement, including regular performance evaluations
* Initiate and execute cost optimization projects without compromising on quality, service levels, or supply reliability
* Ensure a reliable and consistent supply of packaging materials to support regional production needs
* Act as a strategic business partner to cross-functional teams including procurement, sales, operations, logistics, and finance
* Act as an ambassador of the IMP:ACT program over the 2025/2026 time frame
* Be an active and highly motivated member of the Cluster Procurement Leadership Team, joining regular meeting, workshop, brainstorming sessions in line with the IMP:ACT program principles
What makes you great
* You have a degree in supply chain, business administration, engineering, or a related field
* Over the past ten years, you have built solid expertise in procurement or category management, preferably in the packaging, chemicals, or manufacturing industries
* Your professional background includes experience in international and matrixed organizations, where you successfully led complex sourcing initiatives
* You combine deep knowledge of packaging materials and supplier markets with a keen understanding of raw materials like paper, plastics, or steel
* You are comfortable analyzing market trends and cost structures and have worked with market indices such as EUWID
* A hands-on mindset helps you navigate environments with limited data structures
* You are a skilled negotiator, a strategic thinker, and confident in engaging with stakeholders at all levels
* Proficiency in digital procurement tools such as SAP Ariba or Coupa, along with data visualization skills, rounds off your profile
* Flexible work location within Europe – this position can be based in Austria, Italy, Spain, or Germany
What you can expect working with us
* You can develop personally with us and can expect interesting assignments and creative opportunities
* You will rapidly find your feet in the team and can get off to a flying start thanks to our tried and test onboarding period
* Unlimited workplace flexibility thanks to generous rules regarding working from home
* Appreciation – we practise diversity and good-natured interaction with one another
* We believe in flat hierarchies, short decision making paths and open communication
Legally mandatory note: In line with the minimum salary stipulated in the collective agreement, the actual salary for this position is based on professional qualifications and experience.
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