Category Manager, Direct Materials

Insulet Corporation

. Lead global sourcing and procurement strategy for packaging materials .

Posted 9/17/2026full-timeRemote • Massachusetts • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $103,100 - $154,625 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in global sourcing and procurement strategy for packaging materials, with a strong focus on supplier management, cost reduction, and risk mitigation. Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and lead projects that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Global Strategic SourcingSupplier ManagementCost AnalysisNegotiation SkillsPackaging Procurement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Supplier EvaluationContract DevelopmentShould-Cost ModelingBenchmarkingPackaging Cost AnalysisProject ManagementRisk ManagementMarket AnalysisFinancial AnalysisPackaging Trend Analysis

Soft Skills

CollaborationInterpersonal SkillsCommunicationSocial IntelligencePresentation Skills

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft OfficeSupplier Performance Tools

Industry Keywords

Packaging MaterialsRegulated ManufacturingLife SciencesGlobal ManufacturingPackaging Science

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead global sourcing and procurement strategy for packaging materials
Develop and execute supplier agreements supporting business growth, supplier performance, risk mitigation, and total cost of ownership reduction
Lead sourcing events, supplier evaluations, competitive bids, benchmarking, and negotiations for packaging materials, components, tooling, specifications, and supplier services
Partner with Packaging Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Planning, and Manufacturing teams to meet quality, regulatory, capacity, service, and cost requirements
Establish collaborative relationships with packaging suppliers and senior management teams
Hold suppliers accountable through business reviews, action tracking, scorecards, quality reviews, and corrective action plans
Ensure packaging material availability, continuity of supply, and reliable production support
Serve as escalation point for supplier, capacity, service, quality, and shortage-related issues
Maintain cost reduction, productivity, packaging improvement, supplier consolidation, and specification optimization opportunities
Drive projects improving gross margin, working capital, service reliability, lead times, packaging utilization, and operational resilience
Provide cost/benefit analysis, should-cost modeling, supplier performance reporting, and packaging cost analysis
Identify packaging solutions that reduce waste, improve material efficiency, and support sustainability goals
Perform other duties and lead projects as required

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, operations, engineering, packaging science, or related discipline
8+ years’ relevant experience leading procurement categories in sourcing, negotiating, contracting, supplier management, packaging procurement, and project management
Prior experience in global strategic sourcing and supplier management for packaging materials using strategic category management techniques
Strong understanding of packaging materials, packaging conversion processes, tooling, specifications, supplier capabilities, quality requirements, and relevant industry trends
Success in selecting suppliers and negotiating contracts that deliver robust, scalable, cost-effective, and compliant packaging solutions
Demonstrated track record of measurable cost savings, productivity improvements, and service-level improvements
Experience using benchmarking, RFx processes, cost analysis, should-cost modeling, and supplier performance tools
Social intelligence to influence and lead stakeholders and suppliers at senior levels
Ability to prioritize and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with cross-functional teams and global supply chain partners
Proficient with Microsoft Windows and Office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel
Excellent supplier management, negotiation, collaboration, interpersonal, contract development, contract analysis, supplier evaluation, price analysis, packaging cost analysis, and should-cost analysis skills
Strong communication, presentation, project management, risk management, business continuity planning, market analysis, packaging trend analysis, strategic category planning, long-range category planning, and financial analysis skills
Medical device, regulated manufacturing, life sciences, packaging, or global manufacturing experience highly preferred
20% travel

Benefits

Comp & perks

Incentive compensation eligibility
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off (PTO)
Additional employee wellness programs
100% remote working arrangements; may work from home/virtually 100% or hybrid on-site/virtual as desired