Category Manager – Raw Materials, Chemicals & Packing Materials

About the Role

The Category Manager for Raw Materials (RM), Chemicals, and Packing Materials will oversee the complete procurement process of essential inputs such as Sand, Soda Ash, Feldspar, various minerals, and packaging supplies like corrugated boxes. This role is vital in managing cost efficiency, supplier development, ensuring consistent supply, and promoting procurement excellence throughout the production plants. Based at the corporate office in Mumbai, the position reports to the GM of Procurement and demands maintaining high ethical standards, compliance, and fostering collaboration across departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage procurement of raw and packing materials with in-depth knowledge of the commodity categories.
• Monitor market trends, gather pricing intelligence, and execute purchase orders through ERP after approvals.
• Assess plant-wise material needs and maintain optimal inventory levels based on predefined minimum and maximum thresholds.
• Conduct cost optimization by benchmarking against other container glass manufacturers and promoting landed cost efficiency.
• Compare domestic and international pricing, leveraging import regulations and trade compliance knowledge.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new vendors, coordinate sample testing, and provide feedback on supplier performance.
• Maintain strong vendor relations to ensure quality, reliability, and cost competitiveness.
• Plan material requirements across short, medium, and long-term horizons per manufacturing plant and present plans to leadership.
• Prepare management information system reports and conduct monthly review meetings to align procurement with demand forecasts.
• Improve the procure-to-pay process to ensure timely supply and maintain compliance with audit requirements.
• Utilize ERP/SAP tools to streamline procurement operations and reporting.
• Travel as needed for supplier development, plant coordination, and port-related activities.
• Exemplify integrity and transparency in all procurement activities.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum 10 years of procurement experience in sectors such as glass manufacturing, packaging, FMCG, or industrial production.
• Strong familiarity with raw materials and packing supplies specific to container glass producers.
• Demonstrated expertise in vendor management, cost benchmarking, and import/export protocols.
• Proficiency in ERP or SAP systems with practical usage experience.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively for business requirements.
• Key skills include strategic sourcing, cost reduction strategies, vendor relationship management, trade compliance, analytical planning, cross-functional teamwork, and ethical conduct.

Additional Information

This role offers a significant individual contributor opportunity at the corporate headquarters, directly influencing procurement strategies with competitive remuneration based on qualifications and results. It provides exposure across multiple manufacturing units and prospects for career development in a growing organization.