Procurement Category Manager

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Procurement Category Manager at Liberty Diversified International (LDI) partners with business stakeholders to develop, execute, and sustain sourcing strategies for indirect spending categories.

This role ensures cost-effective procurement of these goods and services, drives process efficiencies, and manages supplier relationships to support LDI’s operational and strategic goals.

The Procurement Category Manager will report to the Director Procurement at our corporate headquarters located in New Hope, MN.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies for indirect categories.
• Lead sourcing initiatives to achieve cost savings, improve supplier performance, and mitigate risks.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders across multiple business units to understand business requirements and align sourcing strategies with organizational goals.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends and opportunities for process optimization.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers to ensure favorable terms and conditions.
• Monitor supplier performance and conduct regular reviews to drive continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain relationships with strategic suppliers and manage supplier relationships effectively.
• Provide guidance and support to Buyers across all business units.
• Prepare, analyze, and present reporting on sourcing activities and savings achieved, and make recommendations for senior management.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with the supply chain.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration, or related degree; or equivalent work experience.
• At least seven (7) years of experience in strategic procurement sourcing, focusing on indirect categories.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings and process improvements through strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to influence stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Experience with leading continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency in procurement software and MS Office Suite.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Master's degree in a related field
• Certification in procurement (e.g., CIPS, CPSM)
• Experience a centrally led, matrixed, geographically dispersed organization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Regular sitting, standing, and walking throughout the day to accomplish tasks.
• Manual and finger dexterity is used regularly with some repetitive finger motions.
• Ability to work in front of a computer screen for long periods.
• Specific vision abilities include close and distance vision, the ability to identify colors, small letters, and numbers, hand / eye coordination, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing and speaking
• Other conditions may include frequent reaching, stretching, pushing, pulling, pinching, grasping, and gripping.

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

Comprised of multiple companies with headquarters in New Hope, Minnesota, Liberty Diversified International (LDI) is a privately held company employing more than 1,900 individuals across our manufacturing facilities, production facilities and core business operations in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, Arizona, California, and Mexico.

With deep roots in the corrugated box manufacturing industry, we operate in the core markets of paper, packaging, workplace products, corrugated plastics, and building products.

Since 1918, our values Caring, Innovation, Trust, and Excellence have guided our day-to-day activities. We believe that when our employees align with these values, we create superior solutions and service for our customers.

The LDI family of companies includes Liberty Packaging, Liberty Paper, Liberty Plastics (Custom Solutions and Quarrix Building Products), and Safco.

Liberty Diversified International is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disability, or any other protected class.