Regional Category Specialist, Resins & Liquids, NA

Enjoy a career, packaged with care, whilst helping protect food, people and the planet 

We are a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions. We’re on a mission to make all packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Every day, we ensure the hygiene and safety of food and drink for people around the world. We are Huhtamaki.  

You could be part of our vision. Because it’s our talented people that make it happen. Our people on the shop floor producing innovative, sustainable products. Our people in our offices delivering excellence for our customers every day. It’s every one of us working together. 

We offer a place where you can feel safe, be supported, and make an impact so we can all focus on the future together.  

Position Overview

The Regional Category Manager plays a key role in formulating and implementing sourcing strategies tailored to specific categories that contribute to long-term competitive advantage. This position collaborates with regional, global, and cross-functional partners to maximize cost savings, foster innovation, enhance supplier performance, and effectively manage risk across assigned spending areas.

Primary Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Sourcing

• Design and execute sourcing plans at both local and regional levels that align with overall business objectives and global category direction.
• Manage the entire 5-Step Sourcing Process, securing stakeholder agreement and formal approval for strategies.
• Pursue opportunities for value generation, such as cost reduction, value engineering, and supplier-driven innovation.
  
  

Supplier Relationship Management

• Develop and sustain long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers.
• Conduct routine performance assessments (quarterly and annually) for key suppliers.
• Lead contract negotiations to achieve competitive pricing and service quality.
  
  

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Build strong networks across regional and functional leadership, including Operations, R&D, Innovation, and Plant General Managers.
• Engage in critical business discussions to ensure sourcing activities support operational and strategic goals.
  
  

Performance Tracking & Data Management

• Monitor and document sourcing achievement, including cost reductions and innovation efforts, via the SIP pipeline.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date sourcing and spend data, including master records, classifications, forecasts, and timelines.
• Contribute insights on market trends and provide visibility on category performance.
  
  

Key Performance Indicators

• Delivery of agreed cost in/out targets
• Proportion of spend under active contracts
• Savings captured and reported via SIP
• Number and execution of identified innovation initiatives
• Precision and punctuality of sourcing and spend data
  
  

Experience & Qualifications Required

• At least 5 years in sourcing or procurement within a multinational company
• Experience managing procurement for petrochemicals (preferably polystyrene) and liquid industrial chemicals
• Demonstrated impact on cost savings and financial improvement
• Success in contract negotiations, total cost of ownership analysis, risk management, and responsible sourcing practices
  
  

Core Skills & Competencies

• Expertise in category management and sourcing processes
• Proficiency in supplier evaluation and negotiation
• Strong financial acumen—budgeting and forecasting skills
• Analytical mindset with strong negotiation and influencing abilities
• Understanding of international trade (e.g., Incoterms, letters of credit)
• Project management capabilities, adept at handling multiple priorities
• Ability to collaborate effectively across cultures
  
  

Join us. Help protect food, people and the planet.