Procurement Category Manager – Packaging Materials (all gender)

Every day, billions of people around the globe interact with products made possible by ALPLA – step into a strategic role where your sourcing expertise shapes the packaging solutions behind those moments.

This is a highly strategic role that combines category expertise with operational execution to deliver measurable value across the supply chain.

• Develop and implement a robust sourcing strategy for secondary packaging materials (e.g. corrugated packaging, inliners, stretch foils, pallets) across Europe
• Conduct comprehensive market analyses to identify trends, risks, and opportunities within the category, aligning sourcing initiatives with both regional and global objectives
• Lead end-to-end sourcing projects from supplier identification to contract negotiation and implementation, with a focus on cost-efficiency, compliance, and supplier performance
• Build and maintain strategic, long-term supplier relationships to foster innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement, including regular performance evaluations
• Initiate and execute cost optimization projects without compromising on quality, service levels, or supply reliability
• Ensure a reliable and consistent supply of packaging materials to support regional production needs
• Act as a strategic business partner to cross-functional teams including procurement, sales, operations, logistics, and finance
• Act as an ambassador of the IMP:ACT program over the 2025/2026 time frame
• Be an active and highly motivated member of the Cluster Procurement Leadership Team, joining regular meeting, workshop, brainstorming sessions in line with the IMP:ACT program principles

• You have a degree in supply chain, business administration, engineering, or a related field
• Over the past ten years, you have built solid expertise in procurement or category management, preferably in the packaging, chemicals, or manufacturing industries
• Your professional background includes experience in international and matrixed organizations, where you successfully led complex sourcing initiatives
• You combine deep knowledge of packaging materials and supplier markets with a keen understanding of raw materials like paper, plastics, or steel
• You are comfortable analyzing market trends and cost structures and have worked with market indices such as EUWID
• A hands-on mindset helps you navigate environments with limited data structures
• You are a skilled negotiator, a strategic thinker, and confident in engaging with stakeholders at all levels
• Proficiency in digital procurement tools such as SAP Ariba or Coupa, along with data visualization skills, rounds off your profile
• Flexible work location within Europe – this position can be based in Austria, Italy, Spain, or Germany