Category Lead - Packaging North America

Employee Type: Regular

Who we are

LANXESS is a leading specialty chemicals company with sales of EUR 6.7 billion in 2023. The company currently has about 12,800 employees in 32 countries. Our core business is the development, manufacturing and marketing of chemical intermediates, additives and consumer protection products.

We are looking to find diverse and talented people to join our team. Studies have shown that some individuals are less likely to apply if they do not meet 100% of the criteria. We are looking to equalize the gap! If you are excited about this role but your past experiences do not align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We will look to assess your talent against our competencies, values and requirements to get the best organizational fit. You might be the right candidate for this or other roles we have available!

Join our Team!

Job Highlights

• Liaise with regulatory group in ensuring compliance to various regulatory requirements for packaging.
• Function as packaging Subject Matter Expert (SME) for packaging design, failure analysis, root cause analysis, defining and implementing corrective and preventive action plans in cooperation with suppliers, plants, regulatory agencies, internal and external customers.
• Quality management of packaging supply chain including supplier audits, annual evaluations, plant trials etc. in conjunction with LANXESS (LXS) personnel or with external audit agencies, laboratories.
• Act as technical lead within region and participate/collaborate with Global technical teams for packaging within LXS and also within other sourcing partner companies.
• Keep abreast of new developments by continuous market research and attending packaging trade conferences.
• Address and manage packaging claims received from internal and external customers.
• Analyze market structure, trends, technical developments, and regulatory trends that impact competitiveness and/or affect availability and delivered cost of materials and services.
• Develop and recommend short- and long-term procurement strategies aimed at meeting BU/GF technical goods requirements.
• Coordinate strategies within GPL regionally or globally to enhance corporate buying power and lead the effective implementation of such strategies.
• Lead and/or actively participate in regional and global task forces, and interdisciplinary project groups responsible for devising strategies and optimizing performance in procurement related areas.
• Communicate plans and roll-out new supplier programs to fully implement procurement strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Packaging Engineering preferred), Business or comparable production and packaging design experience.
• 5-10 years of relevant industrial packaging experience or an Engineering Degree with 5 years of relevant industrial packaging experience.
• Ability to establish relationships and understand requirements of various plant sites involved. Duration of travel will fluctuate.
• Knowledge of basic chemical plants, packaging manufacturers (of corrugated boxes, FIBC, CIBC, Drums -steel/plastic etc.) and of the major factors that influence commodity markets and prices is preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements pertaining to DOT and Industrial Packaging.
• The ability to influence and persuade individuals at all levels of the LXS organization to gain support for key procurement initiatives.
• Proven organizational skills to manage multiple projects and bids simultaneously, with minimal supervision.
• The ability to organize diverse information, analyze and resolve disputes, understand internal customer requirements, make independent decisions, and display strong interpersonal and communication skills with individuals at all levels of LXS and supplier organizations.
• Ability to perform as an individual contributor and work in global teams pertaining to packaging procurement.
• Strong analytical skills and matching skill level using Word, Power Point, Excel, SAP /ERP reports.
• Ability to present strategy documentation to senior management to get buy in for the strategy.
• Previous supervisory experience.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• This is a HYBRID role with the expectation to be on-site in the Pittsburgh office at least three days per week every week.

What we offer you

• Compensation: We offer competitive compensation packages, inclusive of a global bonus program and an individual performance bonus program. Please note, the actual compensation may vary based on geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We provide a variety of benefits to support your financial security, health and wellbeing including retirement plans, health programs, life insurance and medical care.
• Work-Life & Flexibility: We support you in maintaining a balance between working hours and personal life. With our global "Xwork" program, we offer flexible working arrangements in all countries in which we operate.
• Training & Development: We are committed to your professional and personal development and encourage you in the ongoing pursuit of education, training and knowledge through both formal and informal learning.
• Diversity: LANXESS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religion, national origin, veteran status and political beliefs.

LANXESS has a value-based performance culture. We are seeking a range of human interests, backgrounds, and experiences that can be engaged to achieve respect, ownership, trust, professionalism, integrity and healing across all sectors. LANXESS is listed in the leading sustainability indices Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI World and Europe) and FTSE4Good.

Join the LANXESS team!