Packaging Category Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Packaging Category Manager to lead our global packaging procurement strategy. Full-time, on-site 5 days in the office. Location: Bangkok, SM Tower (BTS Sanam Pao).

Responsibilities

• Formulate and execute procurement and category strategies for the packaging category aligned with business goals.
• Conduct cost modelling and market intelligence, monitoring global raw material indices (e.g., pulp prices, OCC) to support commercial negotiations.
• Proactively assess and mitigate supply chain risks including shortages, price volatility, and macroeconomic/geopolitical impacts.
• Identify, pre-qualify, and evaluate suppliers; ensure factory audits and compliance with food industry standards (GMP, HACCP, BRC, ISO).
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships to drive packaging innovation, secure volume allocation, and optimise credit terms.
• Draft, negotiate and manage long-term agreements (LTAs) and market-index-linked pricing formulas.
• Lead cost-saving and continuous improvement projects; collaborate with R&D and Production on Value Engineering (VE) and new product development (NPD).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Food Science, Packaging Technology, or related field.
• 8–10 years of experience in Strategic Sourcing or Category Management, preferably in FMCG or Food industry.
• Specialised experience in secondary packaging / flexo printing (corrugated, label, sticker) is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken) for international supplier management and import operations.
• High proficiency in ERP/SAP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Deep understanding of packaging cost structures and technical aspects (flexographic printing processes, corrugated paper grades, plastic compounds).
• Advanced commercial negotiation, influential communication skills, and strong numerical/data analytics capability for detailed cost breakdowns.