Regional Category Manager, Packaging - Your future position
In this role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing the regional packaging procurement strategy across the APAC region, ensuring a reliable and cost-effective supply aligned with the business objectives of our Taste & Wellbeing and Fragrance & Beauty divisions. The role will foster innovation, sustainability, and regulatory compliance by leveraging global volumes for portfolio harmonization and driving initiatives that reduce environmental impact and enhance business value.
Working location: 1 Woodlands Avenue 8
Reporting to: Senior Global Category Manager, Packaging
Main Responsiblities
Sourcing Strategy
- Develop and implement regional category strategies aligned with global procurement goals.
- Provide strategic direction for sourcing, contracting, supplier management, and performance improvement.
- Analyze market trends, manage risks, and build an optimal supply base with reliable vendors for the portfolio.
- Integrate sustainability objectives including carbon footprint reduction, reducing single-use plastic, recyclability, and re-usability.
Portfolio Management
- Lead regional packaging category strategy, ensuring competitive pricing, supplier selection criteria, allocation decision making process, and contract excellence.
- Collaborate with Packaging Engineers, EHS, Quality and Operations community to optimize portfolio and drive innovations.
- Monitor market conditions, forecast pricing trends, and provide input for budgeting and demand planning with suppliers.
- Strengthen supplier relationships and establish clear performance and improvement processes.
- Create business cases and supplier innovation programs to drive cost and productivity gains.
- Set up supplier innovation program and drive the creation and management of a healthy project pipeline.
Stakeholder Relationship
- Lead packaging governance meetings and develop new communication channels to drive project execution and cost, project awareness.
- Communicate to key internal stakeholders/Global Category Managers any market conditions changes which may affect the Business.
- Be an active contributor to our sustainability and responsible sourcing programs in packaging. Actively support the responsible sourcing projects implementation & provide information to Sustainability Team and/or IM&S sustainability ambassador when required.
Cost Optimization and Business Planning
- Prepare initiative plans and forecasts in line with business budget cycle.
- Develop cost reduction projects.
- Provide price forecast and market trends for key commodities and services.
AI/Technology
- Leverage AI and advanced technologies to enhance procurement processes and decision-making in Packaging.
- Support implementation of digital tools for data analysis, supplier performance tracking, and market trend forecasting to drive efficiencies and improve sourcing strategies.
- Collaborate with IT and data analytics teams to develop technology solutions that support procurement objectives and enhance stakeholder engagement
Main Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, engineering, Economics or related field is required
- Minimum 8 years experience in procurement
- Previous experience in Packaging Sourcing or related areas will be highly valued
- English proficiency is required, and Mandarin proficiency is desirable
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to communicate, interact, and influence at all levels of the organization to drive results.
