Polytainers is a leading manufacturer of rigid plastic packaging serving the food, dairy, beverage, and consumer goods industries across North America. We combine advanced manufacturing technology with a strong commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability.

Our success is driven by our people. We offer a team-oriented work environment, opportunities for career growth, and a strong focus on safety and continuous improvement. At Polytainers, you’ll be part of a stable, growing organization where your contributions make a real impact.

Polytainers is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Sourcing Category Manager to lead sourcing initiatives for resins and resin-based purchases as well as to drive innovation with sustainable packaging solutions. This individual will serve as the category expert in resin and other category procurement while collaborating cross-functionally with R&D, Product Development, Operations, and Sustainability teams to optimize material selection for current and future needs. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of polymer markets, and a passion for sustainability, leveraging supplier partnerships and market insights to uncover opportunities for innovation, cost reduction, and environmental impact improvement.

The position plays a key role in supporting product development initiatives, advancing sustainability goals, and strengthening supply chain resilience through proactive risk management and strategic supplier engagement.

Sourcing and Management

• Lead procurement activities for all resin-related materials to ensure cost competitiveness, quality, and continuity of supply.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to monitor market trends, secure supply allocations, and negotiate long-term agreements.
• Monitor and report on global raw material market dynamics, including pricing, supply-demand balance, and geopolitical risks.
• Manage resin supply chain including rail, trans-loaders, and scrap vendors.

Material and Sustainability Innovation

• Work closely with internal stakeholders (Product Development, Innovation, Engineering, Operations, and Sustainability) to identify and evaluate alternative resins, recycled materials (PCR), bioplastics, and emerging sustainable materials.
• Identify and engage suppliers and technologies aligned to Polytainers' sustainability roadmap.
• Conduct technical and commercial assessments of new materials, including cost modeling and performance benchmarking.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with R&D and Operations to ensure new materials meet performance, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Act as a strategic partner in product redesign, material optimization, and lightweighting initiatives.
• Support product development projects by developing timely and effective resin sourcing strategies.
• Collaborate with operational purchasing teams to drive continuous process improvements.

Strategic Planning and Risk Mitigation

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with overall business objectives.
• Identify sourcing risks and implement mitigation strategies, including dual sourcing, safety stock planning, and supplier diversification.
• Support sustainability and compliance reporting related to material sourcing.
• Stay current with leading procurement practices and promote the adoption of procurement standards and continuous improvement across the supply chain organization.
• Global Category Strategies ownership. Includes development, implementation, oversight, reviewing/refreshing strategies and updating internal stakeholders/ business partners.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably within the plastics, packaging, or manufacturing industry.
• Experience sourcing polymers, resins, or related raw materials is considered a strong asset.
• Proven ability to negotiate supplier agreements and manage strategic supplier relationships.
• Experience working cross-functionally with technical and operational teams.