Procurement Lead, Packaging - Paper

All Posting Locations: Chicago, IL, US

Job Functions: Procurement

Date Published: January 5, 2026

Ref#: R-97568

Remote, Hybrid or Onsite: Hybrid

ABOUT THE ROLE

Job Description

Job Purpose

As the Group Lead for Paper Packaging Procurement , you will play a crucial role in leading and developing the North American Zone Paper Packaging Procurement team. The successful candidate would be responsible for leading and developing a team of (3) people across the folding cartons, corrugated and label packaging categories. and a spend of over $600MM. The ideal candidate will have a strong Procurement background, with leading teams, as well as developing category sourcing strategy, supplier negotiations, supplier relationship management, cost modeling skills, strong internal & external stakeholder alignment & influencing skills, exceptional communication, organizational and people manager skills.

This candidate will also possess expertise in ensuring the company's packaging needs are met while minimizing costs and ensuring the quality of paper packaging materials for our food and beverage products.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop a team of three people, providing guidance, coaching, and support to ensure individual and team success, as well as to foster a positive, inclusive, and productive team culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and open communication.
• Work closely with Global Procurement to ensure alignment on procurement strategies and initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and with category managers to develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for resin packaging materials, aligning with business objectives, and ensuring continuity of supply.
• Build and maintain relationships with existing and new suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage performance to ensure quality, delivery, and meeting cost targets.
• Drive value for the business through i dentifying and implementing cost-saving initiatives, such as supplier consolidation, process improvements, improving payment terms, mitigating risks, and driving innovative packaging solutions.
• Mitigate risks associated with resin packaging procurement, including supply chain disruptions, quality issues, tariffs, and substance of interest.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Operations, and Quality Assurance, to ensure packaging meets product requirements and regulatory standards.
• Analyze market trends, supplier performance, and spend data to inform strategic decisions and optimize procurement processes, implementing best practices and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Managing inflation, driving productivity, setting paper packaging procurement budgets, ensuring alignment with business objectives and financial targets.
• Champions our Kraft Heinz organizational values and help drive our procurement vision.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, finance, business, marketing or equivalent. MBA and advanced Procurement qualifications are preferred. Candidates with equivalent experience and/or education will be considered.
• At least 8+ years of Procurement experience, with a minimum of 5-7 years of direct procurement experience.
• Strong business acumen, supplier relationship management, influencing skills, and excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain Procurement results and variances to non-Procurement audiences.
• Results-oriented, adept at solving complex challenges and dealing with ambiguity; anticipates and adjusts to problems and obstacles in the team or the organization.
• Creates and manages individual development plans to support career growth and advancement, as well as provides regular feedback, coaching, and mentoring to team members.
• Proven project management and solid analytical, consultative, and diagnostic skills; able to make sound, data-driven business decisions. Prior experience with business case development and multi-workstream project management is critical to success in this role.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and understanding of source-to-pay tools (SAP, Ariba, Workday, etc.)

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of 3 procurement professionals responsible for paper packaging procurement, providing guidance, coaching, and development opportunities to ensure team success.
• Develop and execute strategic procurement plans for paper packaging materials, aligning with business objectives and ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Manage and maintain relationships with 50 suppliers, negotiating contracts, pricing, and terms to ensure best-in-class quality, service, and cost.
• Oversee the management of over 7,000 resource codes, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information, and implementing process improvements to optimize procurement efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Quality, to ensure seamless integration of procurement strategies and initiatives.
• Analyze market trends, industry developments, and supplier performance to identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and innovation.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and reports to ensure accurate financial planning and tracking.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, including sustainability and social responsibility initiatives.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of procurement experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of strategic procurement planning, supplier management, and team leadership.
• Strong knowledge of paper packaging materials, including folding cartons, corrugate, and labels.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and develop strategic recommendations.
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills.
• Experience with procurement systems, such as SAP or similar ERP systems.

Nice to Have:

• Master's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Certification in procurement, such as CPM or CPSM.
• Experience in the food industry or consumer packaged goods.
• Knowledge of sustainability and social responsibility initiatives in procurement.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

$137,400.00 – $171,700.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical – Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social – Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Chicago/Aon Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected] for assistance.