Senior Category Manager - Indirect (Chicago, US, IL 60631-3)

Who We Are
Trivium Packaging is a global leader in sustainable metal packaging with 60+ locations and nearly 8,000 employees. We serve diverse markets including food, seafood, pet food, nutrition, beauty and personal care, household care, and premium beverages. Our people drive our success through expertise, commitment, and continuous improvement. Our goal is to be the #1 choice for sustainable metal packaging.

Role Summary

The Senior Category Manager – Indirect oversees ~$100M+ in indirect spend across North America and directly manages ~$50M in assigned categories such as spare parts, equipment/maintenance, CAPEX, professional services, and secondary packaging. The role partners with business leaders to analyze spend, support operational needs, and identify value‑creation opportunities. Responsibilities include developing category expertise, executing sourcing strategies, leading negotiations, managing contracts, and overseeing supplier performance.

Key Responsibilities

Category Management

• Deliver category targets and ensure alignment with procurement goals.
• Consolidate market, supplier, and internal data to build and execute category strategies.
• Develop long‑term business‑aligned category plans and communicate to senior leadership.
• Ensure resources, tools, and processes are in place for effective execution.
• Own key supplier relationships and governance; ensure robust contracts.
• Develop a Category Playbook to guide best practices.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies and resolve internal issues promptly.
• Integrate procurement into core business processes and maintain governance standards.
• Assess and manage category risks and support mitigation plans.
• Manage contracts through their full lifecycle, including claims.

People Management

• Lead, coach, and develop team members; ensure succession and knowledge retention.
• Manage team KPIs, productivity, and continuous improvement performance.

Negotiation

• Build strong supplier relationships and secure beneficial contractual agreements.
• Lead negotiation planning, process, and outcomes.

Relationship Management

• Understand stakeholder needs and build long‑term partnerships.
• Align supplier governance with category strategy.
• Lead cross‑functional teams to improve service delivery and ensure policy compliance.

Financial Planning & Reporting

• Track and report savings, TCO improvements, and working‑capital impacts.
• Provide periodic reporting, forecasting, and KPI trend analysis.

Procurement Projects

• Lead key strategic procurement projects and cross‑functional teams.
• Develop work plans, manage stakeholders, and oversee project budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• 5–10+ years of procurement leadership experience in direct materials.
• Experience in mature procurement environments and manufacturing/packaging industries.
• Expertise in strategic sourcing, forecasting, benchmarking, RFx, negotiation, and contracting.
• Proven cost‑reduction track record and ability to operate in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong analytical, communication, and project‑management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and procurement data systems.