Job Summary
We are seeking a highly strategic and technically proficient Packaging Category Lead to own and execute the global end-to-end sourcing strategy for all packaging formats. The ideal candidate will manage a comprehensive portfolio encompassing primary packaging (e.g., flexible films, rigid plastics, bottles, caps), secondary packaging (e.g., folding cartons, corrugated boxes), and tertiary/logistics packaging (e.g., pallets, industrial wraps). This role requires a packaging expert who can seamlessly balance fast-moving market commodity trends (paper, resin, aluminum) with manufacturing realities. You will collaborate directly with R&D, Brand Management, Quality, and global manufacturing plants to drive substantial cost-to-serve optimizations, product shelf-life protection, and corporate sustainability metrics.
Job Description
- Category Strategy Development: Author and execute multi-year global and regional category strategies for all packaging sub-categories to achieve optimized Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
- Should-Cost Modeling & Pricing: Build detailed "should-cost" engineering and clean sheet pricing models based on raw underlying commodities (kraft paper linerboard, plastic resins, glass energy indices) to drive fact-based negotiations.
- Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation: Design and lead high-stakes RFPs, structuring competitive master supply agreements (MSAs) with global converters and specialized regional printing/packaging vendors.
- Supplier Relationship & Innovation Management: Establish a robust Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) framework; lead Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and partner with strategic suppliers to gain first-to-market access to new packaging technologies and designs.
- Sustainability & Circular Economy: Lead the operational transition toward eco-friendly packaging layouts, identifying and qualifying biodegradable materials, lightweighted components, and Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials to achieve corporate carbon-reduction targets.
- Technical Cross-Functional Alignment: Collaborate closely with R&D, structural design engineers, and plant automation teams to ensure new packaging concepts optimize manufacturing line-speeds and minimize transit damage.
- Supply Chain Resilience & Business Continuity: Formulate proactive dual-sourcing strategies and capacity reservation models to mitigate geopolitical risks, container crises, or sudden paper mill allocations.
- Team Leadership & Mentorship: Lead, develop, and coach a dedicated team of packaging buyers, fostering an agile, problem-solving culture focused on continuous value engineering.
Profile Description
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Technology, Printing Engineering, Chemical/Mechanical Engineering, or Supply Chain Management (Master's degree / MBA preferred).
- Experience: 10–12 years of corporate packaging procurement experience inside a global FMCG, Food & Agribusiness, Consumer Health, or heavily matrixed multinational manufacturing organization.
- Corporate Persona: Currently working within a fast-paced corporate environment, proving an expert ability to translate complex material engineering specifications into clear commercial strategies for executive leadership.
- Holistic Packaging Domain Mastery: Comprehensive functional knowledge of diverse manufacturing processes including paper converting, injection molding, blow molding, flexographic printing, and corrugated board structures.
- Commodity & Index Tracking: Strong capability to track and forecast global pulp, paper (e.g., PPI/FOEX), plastic resin (e.g., ICIS/Platts), and metals markets to time sourcing cyces perfectly.
- Value Engineering (VA/VE): Proven track record of executing specification[1]rationalization, material downgauging, and pallet-pattern optimization projects that reduce structural waste without compromising product integrity.
- Digital Systems Proficiency: High expertise using enterprise ERP master data governance (SAP/Oracle), e-sourcing tools, and advanced spend analytics software to track localized supplier compliance.
- Influence & Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication and corporate presentation skills, with a demonstrated ability to steer cross-functional alignment between Creative Brand teams and rigorous Plant Operations.
About Company
A client of ilink Talent Solutions is a Singapore headquartered technology and business services company with over 3,200 employees across Asia, the US, UK, Middle East, and Australia, supported by major innovation hubs in Chennai and Bengaluru. They deliver cloud, AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, automation, and digital transformation solutions. Recognised with awards including the SAP Outstanding Innovation Partner (SEA 2024) and Great Place to Work, they are rapidly expanding their global client base beyond their founding parent group.
