Category Manager jobs in Eugene, OR

Yog / East West Tea is seeking a talented, passionate, and experienced Packaging Category Manager to join our Sourcing team.  The Packaging Category Manager is responsible for building authentic partnerships with commercially, ethically, and sustainably aligned partners and for managing the global supply chain for direct packaging. 

This pivotal role serves as packaging subject matter expert within cross-functional project teams, bringing invaluable knowledge and insight to new product development, innovation, and sustainability initiatives.  The successful candidate will leverage critical thinking, exceptional interpersonal skills, packaging expertise, and well-honed supply chain acumen to thrive in complexity, meet cost and inventory targets, and deliver value.  This is a highly autonomous role with incredible opportunities to make an impact. 

In compliance with Yogi / East West Tea’s sustainable sourcing principles, the role will develop and lead effective sourcing strategies within assigned product categories.

Our Sourcing Team Mission: Trust and positive intent are at the heart of everything we do.  We leverage our expertise and authentic partnerships by delivering quality organic and sustainable products, enhancing our market presence, supporting innovation, and inspiring the world.

WHO WE ARE:

We are the well-being company that exists to inspire and enhance everyday life through trust and good will.  Our guiding principles, beliefs, and philosophies shape our identity. They are the essence of our culture and define how we do what we do.

We are intentional in everything we do.  We are present and aware of how we show up in the world.  We honor people and our communities.  We are authentic and transparent with each brand. We are committed to sustaining our planet.  We build trust and goodwill with each individual interaction.  

OUR INVESTMENT IN YOU:

•    We offer competitive compensation, (add salary if appropriate), including a generous annual bonus.  

•    We have exceptional wellbeing-focused benefits including health, dental, vision and alternative care, life and disability insurance, retirement, paid time off, company picnics, social activities, and a surprise every so often!  Who doesn’t love a surprise? 

•    This position is located in Eugene, Oregon with a work from home option that provides the opportunity to work outside the office up to two days per week.

•    As a certified B Corp, we’re a company that lives our values every day.

•    We work in a LEED certified facility which prioritizes the planet in our daily operations and optimizes our employee experience while at work. 

•    We prioritize sustainability as a business by embedding it into our values, our strategic priorities, our decision-making, and our resource allocations.

•    Our Nourish Market provides employees subsidized healthy lunch and snack options.

•    We commit to our purpose in every aspect of our culture. 

•    We have employees that are committed to “Doing Good” in our community and around the world.

•    We are a growing company with products that customers love. 

•    We believe in investing in you and your growth and development. 

WHAT YOU’LL OWN:    

Category Sourcing                                                                               30% of time

•    Manage strategic partnerships to support quality, efficiency, sustainability and cost targets.

•    Leverage packaging industry knowledge to identify suitable suppliers, innovative materials, and unique supplier capabilities.

•    Lead new supplier qualification to assure compliance with Food Safety, GMPs, Sustainability, and EWTC Quality specifications.

•    Conduct regular market analysis for all packaging commodities within assigned product categories.

•    Keep abreast of developing technologies and supplier capabilities, synthesizing market conditions, and relevant trends to inform proactive decision making.

•    Develop and lead pragmatic sourcing strategies specific to each product category assigned.

•    Execute competitive benchmarking activities to support commercial sourcing (RFP’s).

•    Contribute to Sustainable Packaging Initiatives

•    Pursue ongoing professional development to build on packaging industry knowledge.

•    Attend industry events and/or travel to supplier sites.

Strategic Category Management Innovation                                   40% of time

•    Support Pre-Commercialization NPD within core products and new product categories.

•    Lead packaging transitions through cross-functional project teams.

•    Contribute within cross-functional teams as packaging subject matter expert – leading on complex projects to define scope, criteria for success, and deliverables.

•    Deliver cogent, audience appropriate business case proposals, presentations, and project outlines to inform and influence diverse stakeholder groups.

•    Drive continuous improvement through effective supplier performance management.

•    Develop and facilitate effectual Supplier Business Reviews and Joint Business Plans.

•    Provide mentorship and training to new or junior members of the team.

•    Provide backup coverage in the event of planned or unplanned absences within Pkg team.

Order Administration Stock Management                                   30% of time

•    Execute order administration in adherence with spend, inventory and sustainability targets.

•    Maintain inventory targets factoring risk, lead time, and supply chain constraints. 

•    Mitigate risk to prevent supply interruptions while maintaining appropriate inventory levels.                                    

WHAT YOU KNOW AND HAVE EXPERIENCED: 

•    Bachelor's Degree and min. 5 years of relevant work experience for this role

•    Min of 7 years’ relevant work experience in lieu of degree

•    Prior category management/sourcing responsibility with similar spend responsibility

•    CPG packaging experience (folding cartons, flexible packaging, corrugated) strongly preferred.

•    High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint

•    Food, Beverage or Dietary Supplement experience preferred but not required

YOU’LL BE A GREAT FIT:

•    Negotiate proficiently. 

•    Develop and execute effective strategies.

•    Think critically, act pragmatically.

•    Assign appropriate sense of urgency.

•    Collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.

•    Communicate with excellence verbally and through writing.

•    Achieve desired outcomes autonomously and within groups.

•    Cultivate authentic, highly effective relationships.

•    Thrive in ambiguous and/or complex situations.

•    Apply analytics and sound judgement to inform decision making.

•    Skillfully manage competing priorities and expectations.

WHAT WE DO:

We manufacture Yogi and Choice Organics brand products. Yogi has over 40 tea blends made from 140 exotic spices and botanicals sourced from 100% non-GMO growers around the globe. These herbal, green, and black teas are formulated for delicious taste and healthful benefits. Choice Organics offers a collection of organic traditional tea, herbal tea, and unique, flavorful organic tea blends. Choice teas are sourced exclusively from 100% organic and non-GMO growers around the world and are beautifully balanced to perfection for a full-flavored taste experience.

Yogi / East West Tea Company is an equal opportunity employer. We value and respect each person's individuality and unique talents. We honor diversity and inclusion. The strength of our people and our guiding principles contribute to our leadership and continued success in the natural tea category.