Mgr Category Packaging Materials

Job Location:  Hershey, PA. or possibility of remote/hybrid

Job Summary:

The Global Packaging Category Manager will develop and implement competitive sourcing strategies that secure the best total value to the Packaging Categories. The Category Manager will establish strategic direction and ongoing management of the category assigned, partnering with Operations Planning, Packaging Commercialization, R&D, Design and Quality to identify opportunities in these areas:

• Develop & lead strategic sourcing events
• Develop and maintain a qualified supply base, including robust business continuity plans
• Deliver financial targets including material budget setting & attainment, risk mitigation, CI pipeline & delivery, and dispute resolutions
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Analyze and lead commodity risk management for the packaging commodity market as part of the category strategy
• Lead to execute the packaging sustainability agenda to deliver Hershey ESG goals

This position requires domestic and international travel (25% or more) at times to support on-going business needs.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

Responsible to deliver forward looking sourcing strategies for packaging categories.  -
 

• Develop and execute Sourcing Strategy through cross-functional alignment and supplier enablement. Regular refresh, re-evaluate and refresh category plans to ensure competitiveness and most up-to-date technology.
• Negotiate and manage contract with suppliers to achieve sourcing strategies that optimize THC’s total cost of ownership and provide business and cost continuity
• Analyze data from a multitude of sources pertaining to supply & demand, industry trends, commodity markets, innovation, technology evolvement, and their impact at Hershey
• Execute Packaging Sustainability Strategy to deliver ESG agenda and goals

Responsible to define and own the relationship management approach for packaging material suppliers.  

• Utilize supplier segmentation methodology to establish supplier specific strategies and tactics.  These strategies will seek to optimize total cost of ownership for THC, promote innovation, reduce business risk, and provide competitive advantage to THC. 
• Lead regular suppliers’ capabilities reviews and benchmarks to ensure competitiveness, and stay abreast of emerging sources of supply and changes in supplier strategies

Conduct regular supply performance review activities to optimize the business relationship (i.e., business reviews, performance score-carding, KPIs review and improvement plans, innovation, and cost improvement initiatives).  Ensure that Suppliers are engaged on an on-going basis and at the

• leadership level in order to affirm that they and THC are aligned in their collective view of the business relationship.  Take appropriate actions when alignment does not occur.
• Resolve disputes between THC and supplier when needed.

Responsible for developing the yearly budget for the category and achieving financial targets

• Lead to develop annual budget plans for assigned packaging materials
• Monitor Purchase Price Variance throughout the year to deliver the budget plans
• Develop and execute the risk management techniques via supply and market expertise e.g. hedging, sole supply mitigation, offshore vs onshore material sourcing to mitigate risks to budget
• As global subject matter expert on supply markets, collaborate closely with colleagues around the world to develop consensus views of markets.  As appropriate, share analytical tools and techniques in order to raise the overall capabilities of THC

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities: 

• Thought leader and strong critical thinker
• Able to build the future outlook in a dynamic environment
• Action oriented, self-motivator individual who can lead a team, work collaboratively, with strong influencing skills to deliver results
• Proven ability and strong experience in Strategy & strategic sourcing
• Proven ability and strong experience in data analysis to drive insights for decision making
• Internal & External stakeholder management
• Excellent negotiation
• Strong attention to detail and able to provide context to category vision, department and company goals
• Proven ability to handle multiple tasks in a deadline oriented environment.
• Project Management
• Supply Chain Operations experience
• Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and SAP
• Ability to resolve conflicts, misunderstandings and problems with suppliers in a manner that produces fair and timely resolution of issues.
• Excellent computer skills including SAP, Microsoft Office, and a thorough understanding of internet browser applications and internet search skills.
• Ability to travel (domestic and international) as needed (up to 25%)

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: 

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, engineering, supply chain, or equivalent.  MBA a plus. 

Experience:

Minimum of 5-8 years progressive business experience in procurement management role, engineering, supply planning or other analytical/business function. 

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