Regional Category Manager Americas - Packaging (Erlanger, KY, US, 41018) at Perfetti Van Melle

OVERVIEW

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Dentyne, Trident and Bubblicious!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Regional Category Manager to join our growing team.

The Regional Category Manager supports procurement activities within a defined region to maximize cost savings and value for the PVM Group. They act as the link between Regional Procurement Directors, Global Category Managers, and local buyers—providing regional insights, managing supplier performance, supporting sustainability goals, enabling digital procurement initiatives, and ensuring accurate reporting. They monitor market trends, assist with strategic sourcing initiatives, drive supplier relationship management, and serve as the first point of support for regional stakeholders across key spend categories.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Provide regional input and procurement execution support to Regional Procurement Directors and Global Category Managers for selected Global with Regional Input spend categories
• Support strategic sourcing activities including:
  – RFI/RFP framework development
  – Identification of existing or new supplier sources
  – Supplier proposal evaluation (quantitative & qualitative)
  – Supplier negotiations and results analysis
  – Contract award execution
• Analyze and monitor regional market conditions, supplier base, cost drivers, and industry trends to support Global Category Strategy and Go-To-Market plans
• Contribute to Category Strategy workshops by reviewing category profiles, identifying opportunities, and defining segment strategies
• Drive Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) for key regional and local suppliers with multiple PVM Operating Company touchpoints
• Manage supplier performance issues and lead regional supplier review meetings using KPI scorecards and performance reporting
• Manage contract amendments (artwork, pricing, materials) and follow through on implementation at the local level
• Drive sustainability initiatives for assigned categories in partnership with Regional Procurement Directors and the Global Procurement Team
• Explore opportunities and projects to advance PVM sustainability goals; align and train local buyers and stakeholders; report progress accurately and on time
• Champion Group Procurement’s Digital Enablement initiatives by promoting adoption, training local buyers, ensuring timely rollout, and sharing feedback for improvement
• Lead regional budget, estimates, and reporting processes for assigned categories, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Collaborate with Procurement Controller and GPS teams to deliver reporting goals and support continuous improvement
• Coach local buyers to ensure excellence in sourcing execution, performance management, sustainability, digital tools, and reporting
• Maintain strong communication with Group Procurement to align on strategy, priorities, and performance outcomes

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or a related field required
• Fluent, professional-level Spanish with strong negotiation capability; bilingual Spanish/English essential
• Self-starter with strong initiative, able to work autonomously and influence without direct authority
• Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain and Total Cost of Ownership decision-making
• Demonstrated strategic sourcing capability with strong stakeholder engagement skills
• Highly analytical with advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; skilled in interpreting trends and presenting insights
• Experience working across multiple countries in the Americas region preferred
• Background in consumer goods packaging is beneficial; relevant experience in personal care, cosmetics, or other consumer sectors also considered

WHAT WE OFFER

At Perfetti Van Melle, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to the sweet success of our candy-loving community. Additionally, we have a core value of Care For Our People and we are proud to offer benefit programs that support our team members' goals and well-being including:

• PTO package including vacation, sick, personal, and pay it forward time off  
• 13 paid holidays  
• 401k with Company Match up to 8%, ranking in the top 1% of the country
• Annual Bonus potential and merit-based increases
• Comprehensive Health Insurance   
• Annual well-being subsidy
• 20 weeks Maternity & 12 weeks Paternity leave options 
• Sam's Club or Costco annual membership reimbursement  
• Tuition-Free College Program or Free Continued Education (BA, Masters, etc.)
• Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos)

Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.