Category Manager Energy & Utilities
Prague, CZ
Position Job Title: Category Manager Energy & Utilities
Business Groups: AFEMEA, RPSI EMEA, ASC
Function: Procurement
Location: Prague
Line Manager’s Job Title: Category Lead Utilities
Contract Length: Permanent
JOB PURPOSE
The Category Manager Energy & Utilities is responsible for supporting the development and execution of procurement strategies across Energy and Utilities categories within AFEMEA, RPSI EMEA and ASC.
Reporting to the EMEA Procurement Category Lead Utilities, the role will lead sourcing initiatives, supplier management, contract negotiations and value improvement projects across the EMEA region. The position plays a key role in supporting Amcor's energy transition agenda through renewable energy sourcing, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), green energy programs and decarbonization initiatives, while also driving regionalization and standardization of utility-related services across manufacturing sites.
Working closely with Plant Energy Champions, Operations, Sustainability, Engineering, Finance and Procurement teams, the role will deliver sustainable value through cost optimization, security of supply, risk management and operational excellence.
Job Dimensions & Scope
Geographic Scope: Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
Operational scope: 130+ sites having 50+ ERP planning systems
Supplier base: 30+ suppliers across EMEA
Categories managed: Energy & Utilities (Electricity, Natural Gas, Renewable Energy, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Green Certificates (Guarantees of Origin, IRECs), Energy Supply Contracts, Onsite Utility Maintenance Services (Compressed Air Systems, Steam and Boiler Services, Chilled Water and Cooling Systems, Industrial Gases, Water and Wastewater Services).
Ability to travel: 10 to 15% of time to meet with stakeholders, suppliers and coworkers.
Principal Accountabilities
1. Energy Procurement & Renewable Programs
- Develop and implement the “Procurement Green Energy Strategy” in collaboration with the sustainability team
- Lead implementation of on-site renewable projects, including solar and other renewable technologies.
- Manage the development and execution of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
- Manage sourcing activities related to green certificates and renewable energy programs.
- Monitor energy market developments, regulatory changes and emerging trends impacting Amcor's operations.
- Support procurement activities related to electricity and gas sourcing across EMEA.
2. Category Strategy & Sourcing
- Support the development and implementation of Energy & Utilities category strategies across EMEA.
- Execute sourcing projects aligned with business, operational and sustainability objectives.
- Identify opportunities to leverage spend, standardise specifications and consolidate suppliers across the region.
- Develop sourcing strategies that balance cost competitiveness, security of supply and sustainability objectives.
- Support category roadmaps and long-term procurement plans.
3. Utilities & Regional Service Agreements
- Lead sourcing and supplier management activities for utility-related services across manufacturing sites.
- Drive regionalisation of local utility service contracts into regional or multi-country agreements wherever appropriate.
- Identify opportunities to improve service levels, standardise commercial terms and reduce total cost of ownership.
- Support the development of preferred supplier programs across utility-related categories.
- Work with plant teams to ensure contracts effectively support operational requirements.
- Promote sharing of best practices and standard solutions across sites.
4. Supplier & Contract Management
- Develop strong relationships with strategic suppliers and service providers.
- Lead commercial negotiations and contract renewals within delegated categories.
- Support implementation of "One Amcor" supplier agreements where applicable.
- Establish supplier performance measures and governance frameworks.
- Conduct supplier reviews and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure contract compliance and effective risk management.
5. Value Delivery & Cost Optimization
- Deliver annual savings and value improvement targets.
- Identify and implement opportunities for cost reduction, cost avoidance and process improvements.
- Track and report procurement benefits according to Amcor standards.
6. Stakeholder Engagement & Project Delivery
- Build strong working relationships across Operations, Engineering, Sustainability and Finance functions.
- Act as a key procurement contact for Plant Energy Champions and site teams.
- Support cross-functional project teams delivering energy and utility initiatives.
- Influence stakeholders through fact-based recommendations and market insights.
- Ensure alignment between procurement strategies and operational objectives.
Key Internal & External Stakeholders / Interactions
Regional Energy & Utilities Lead; Plant Energy Champions; Site General Managers; Engineering Teams; Operations Leadership; Sustainability Teams; Finance; Legal; Procurement Leadership; Energy Suppliers; Utility Service Providers; PPA Developers; Renewable Energy Providers; Consultants and Advisors; Industry and Market Experts;
Qualifications & Experience
Professional Experience
- Minimum 5 years of procurement, sourcing or category management experience.
- Experience within a manufacturing, industrial or multinational environment.
- Experience managing suppliers, contracts and sourcing projects.
- Experience in Energy, Utilities, Facilities, MRO, Engineering or Technical Services procurement is preferred.
- Knowledge of renewable energy sourcing, energy markets or utility procurement is advantageous.
- Experience working in a multi-site and cross-functional environment.
Education
- Bachelor's Degree required. Masters degree preferred (Engineering, Procurement, Energy Management or related field)
Languages
- English: fluent
- Additional European languages (French, German, Italian or Spanish) are a strong asset.
Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills
- Strong sourcing and procurement expertise.
- Contract negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Financial and commercial acumen.
- Understanding of total cost of ownership principles.
- Good analytical skills and ability to work with data.
- Project management capability.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
Preferred Knowledge
- European energy markets.
- Energy procurement models.
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
- Renewable energy technologies.
- Utility infrastructure and services.
- Sustainability and decarbonisation programs.