What are the responsibilities and job description for the Strategic Sourcing Commodity Manager - Food Industry Packaging position at Gables Search Group?
Strategic Sourcing Commodity Manager - Packaging
Location: Cincinnati, OH (On-Site)
The Role
This role is for a Strategic Sourcing Commodity Manager with a definitive emphasis on packaging materials. The core responsibility is to develop and execute sourcing strategies for all packaging components—including corrugated, films, labels, cartons, and related components—to ensure cost competitiveness, quality, and supply continuity. You will serve as the subject matter expert in the packaging supply chain, monitoring market trends, raw material cost drivers, and regulatory changes such as recyclability and labeling requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Location: Cincinnati, OH (On-Site)
The Role
This role is for a Strategic Sourcing Commodity Manager with a definitive emphasis on packaging materials. The core responsibility is to develop and execute sourcing strategies for all packaging components—including corrugated, films, labels, cartons, and related components—to ensure cost competitiveness, quality, and supply continuity. You will serve as the subject matter expert in the packaging supply chain, monitoring market trends, raw material cost drivers, and regulatory changes such as recyclability and labeling requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement category strategies for packaging materials, leveraging market intelligence and sustainability initiatives.
- Lead structured supplier negotiations and contracting to mitigate risk and achieve cost savings.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (NPD, Quality, Operations) to ensure packaging compliance with food safety and quality standards.
- Drive packaging innovation and cost optimization through strategic category plans.
- Manage supplier performance using KPIs and scorecards, and build strategic supplier relationships for long-term value in packaging sourcing programs.
- Support S&OP and budgeting processes by providing procurement cost inputs for packaging categories.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience, with experience in food manufacturing preferred.
- Demonstrated competencies in Negotiation, Strategic Sourcing, Vendor Management, and Regulatory Compliance.