Procurement Category Manager- Packaging

GBfoods Africa offer culinary solutions operating in over 24 countries with a regional office in Accra - Ghana.

Our Purpose “Celebrating local flavours” is to empower and take care of each of the local communities we belong to and to bring out their authentic flavours. Some of our local brands have been in consumers' kitchens for over a century and have positioned themselves as authentically loved brands, as well as deeply rooted parts of the local culture.

Role:

Reporting to the Procurement Director, Africa

The Category Manager- Packaging will be responsible for defining, communicating, and implementing the Packaging Category Strategy across the short, medium, and long term. The incumbent will lead strategic and sustainable procurement initiatives to deliver business value through market and cost intelligence, economies of scale, structural cost competitiveness, supply risk management, strategic supplier partnerships, and packaging innovation and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

Define Packaging Sourcing Strategy (short, medium and long term) based on Category Management principles and business needs.

• Monitor global packaging raw materials trends (paper, plastics, aluminum, glass, resins and additives)
• Develop Supply & Cost Transparency models for packaging materials
• Define Sourcing Map & Market Strategy (local / regional / imports / mix).
• Propose and align procurement coverage with main stakeholders
• Own category budgeting, savings delivery and deviation control
• Ensure TCO visibility for all packaging materials
• Anticipate and be resilient to adapt our Strategy to any potential changes (regulatory, import bans, duties, market dynamics, force majeure….etc.) as Procurement Risk Management to guarantee a sustainable and a competitive business.
• Drive Business Intimacy with internal stakeholders to align Packaging Strategy with Business Strategy (VCP)
• Drive Packaging Innovation and Sustainable Sourcing with suppliers and in coordination with R&D (eco-design, downgauging, recyclability, mono-materials).
• Lead Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) for key and strategic suppliers
• Establish governance and control ensuring transparency, compliance and procurement execution excellence across Africa and in coordination with the group.
• Execute supplier negotiations, contracting and commercial frameworks for packaging categories.
• Coordinate the deployment of category strategies with country procurement teams.
• Support NPD / renovations / VCP projects from a packaging sourcing perspective
• Manage critical suppliers and ensure operational continuity with local teams.
  
  
  

What can you expect from us?

You will be part of a unique company in an exciting moment, when we are growing and becoming a very consolidated multinational in the FMCG Food industry, with many strong brands.

What do we expect from you?

We are looking for someone who is committed, action oriented, problem solver and excellent relationship skills, pays attention to detail and is ready to explore the opportunities and challenges that the role brings.

Requirements:

• Must have a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Materials Science, Economics or related field.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in a same or similar role, ideally in FMCG.
• Strong background in Packaging procurement (primary & secondary packaging).
• Experience managing regional/global suppliers and imports.
• Solid understanding of packaging cost structures and specifications.
• SAP / SAP Ariba knowledge is mandatory.
• Strong Category Management background.
• Strategic and business mindset (high impact role on cost and supply continuity)
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent analytical, fact-based decision-making skills.
• Transformational and continuous improvement mindset.
• Must have good leadership and stakeholder management.
• Demonstrates strong ownership and accountability while proactively adapting to changing business needs and challenges.
• Excellent communication skills.