Category Manager, Innovation
Core
Procurement Category Manager responsible for embedding procurement early in the innovation lifecycle to shape sourcing strategies, supplier capabilities, and scalable solutions for new product launches.
Role type
Senior Category Manager (Innovation & Sourcing)
Builds
Sourcing strategies, supplier capability roadmaps, and innovation pipelines for packaging and liquid categories.
Domain
Consumer Packaged Goods (Alcohol) / Supply Chain / Innovation
Required skills
Strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, stakeholder influence, scenario planning, cost modeling, process improvement, supplier lifecycle management, innovation pipeline management, data-driven decision making, cross-functional collaboration
Preferred skills
CIPS or MBA certification, experience in packaging and liquid categories, new product development (NPD) exposure, project management
Technologies
None explicitly stated
Responsibilities
Own the creation and delivery of the Sourcing Innovation strategy for North America; Partner with Brand, Innovation and R&D leadership early in the stage-gate process; Build and manage an innovation pipeline from external partners; Shape transparent financials by guiding COGS-setting for new-to-world components; Own the innovation KPI framework across packaging and liquid suppliers; Lead process improvement and Way of Working opportunities.
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC
