Regional Category Manager, Direct Materials (LATAM)

Job Overview

The TCO Regional Category Procurement Manager is responsible for leading regional direct procurement category strategies across Amcor LATAM, driving value creation through a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach. This role partners closely with Procurement, Operations, R&D, Finance, Sustainability, and key suppliers to optimize costs, reduce risks, ensure supply continuity, and support innovation across the Flexibles business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead regional TCO initiatives across approximately USD 400M in direct material spend.
• Develop and execute category strategies for key raw materials, including resins, films, foil, paper, inks, adhesives, coatings, and liquids.
• Drive supply risk mitigation and business continuity strategies across LATAM.
• Identify and implement innovative, sustainable, and technology-driven sourcing alternatives.
• Deliver procurement initiatives focused on cost competitiveness, working capital improvement, and cash flow optimization.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to qualify and implement material alternatives across manufacturing sites.
• Build strategic supplier relationships to access innovation, market intelligence, and competitive solutions.
• Coordinate regional expert networks and drive best practice sharing across the organization.
• Analyze supplier, technology, regulatory, and market data to support strategic decision making.

Challenges

• Aligning local, regional, and global stakeholders with diverse priorities while executing regional procurement strategies.
• Managing multiple initiatives related to cost optimization, sustainability, supply continuity, and technology transformation simultaneously.
• Driving change and implementation across multiple plants, countries, and functional teams within LATAM.
• Balancing short-term operational demands with long-term category and business strategies.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong strategic sourcing and category management experience.
• Deep understanding of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles.
• Advanced negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing capabilities across all organizational levels.
• Excellent project and change management skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into actionable strategies.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, matrixed, and multicultural environment.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.
• High adaptability and resilience in managing ambiguity and change.

Amcor Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Mindset
• Drives Vision & Purpose
• Sets Priorities & Drives Results
• Customer Focus
• Cultivates Innovation
• Engages People & Teams
• Attracts & Develops Talent

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of procurement experience in flexible packaging.
• 10+ years of technical expertise within the flexible packaging industry.
• Experience developing and executing category strategies in a complex manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of procurement processes, contract management, and supplier performance management.
• Experience driving regional or multi-country initiatives.
• Fluent English required.
• Portuguese and/or Spanish highly desirable.

Education & Certification

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Procurement, or a related field.
• Advanced studies or certifications in Procurement, Supply Chain, Category Management, or Project Management are a plus.
• Strong technical knowledge of flexible packaging materials and converting processes, including printing, laminating, coating, and extrusion.

Travel Requirement: Up to 25% across Latin America.