WestRock is seeking an experienced Sr. Manager Raw Material Procurement reporting to the Vice President, Raw Material, Continuous Improvement and Technical Sourcing. This individual will be responsible for overseeing the strategic sourcing of raw materials in support of North America paper and board production.

Job Summary:

Manages and oversees strategic sourcing, primarily domestic, for WestRock. The Sr. Manager Raw Material Procurement will be involved, to varying degrees, with all aspects of the strategic sourcing process, including project planning, specifications development, strategy alignment with stakeholders, strategic category management, supply market research, supplier engagement/evaluation/selection and new supplier implementation. Leads strategic sourcing activities for categories within the Raw Material area that are both specialized (examples such as latex and minerals used in paper coating) and commoditized (examples such as sulfuric acid). Capturing savings through purchasing volume, negotiating price, working capital, and TCO contracts with suppliers in support of company goals and objectives. Works closely to build a working relationship with functional stakeholder teams and suppliers to ensure effective implementation plans and cost savings / working capital strategies are executed, tracked, and continuously improved. The ideal candidate must be comfortable working independently and in a team environment. This position will focus on the highest return generation projects available within Raw Material areas and will interact with a wide variety of stakeholders in both mill and converting locations.

Responsibilities:

Meet assigned goals:

• Cost savings

• Cost avoidance

• Continuous Improvement and Total Cost of Ownership improvement

• Working capital gains through Account Payable growth and inventory reduction

• Diverse supplier spend growth

• Contract coverage in accordance with Procurement Policy

• Meet individual training objectives

Lead sourcing and category management processes

• Assess current and future needs/specifications within category.

• Work with Finance and local site Procurement to ensure baseline data is accurate.

• Follow sourcing best practices and Procurement Policies.

• Build sourcing category teams made of experts and stakeholders in the targeted category.

• Align with stakeholders on sourcing strategy.

• Implement supplier negotiation, selection, and implementation.

• Negotiate contracts and focus on ongoing supply chain risk reduction.

• Communicate new agreements to local site procurement, both timely and effectively.

• Monitors business unit satisfaction with key suppliers and supports resolution of issues.

Maintains expertise in assigned spend categories:

• Remains current with market trends and internal business needs by maintaining relationships with suppliers, market experts, local sites, and BU leadership.

• Meet with suppliers to conduct regular business reviews and stay updated on business and upcoming changes that may affect WestRock and suppliers.

• Identify and project manage the evaluation of new technologies that may address internal optimization and productivity needs.

General Management Responsibilities:

• Provides fact-based understanding of bottom-line benefit of all decisions and opportunities; prioritize team time to maximize benefit.

• Responsible for identifying production or cost saving opportunities and complete, or assist in completing, analysis to determine potential upside and a path to achieve value.

• Ensures compliance of internal controls as it relates to WestRock policies and procedures.

Experience/Educational Requirements:

• MBA preferred, Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Finance, Business, or Engineering.

• Experience in the pulp and paper or related industry preferred.

• 5+ years of sourcing experience in a manufacturing environment and formal sourcing process training.

• Raw material sourcing/procurement experience is preferred.

• Performance Excellence focus preferably with Green Belt or greater certification.

• Experience fostering and effectively managing high performing teams.

Position Requirements:

• Willingness to travel to domestic locations and possible international locations as needed (max 20%).

• Highly Capable in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and ability to support and lead data analytics

• Significant experience with RFx strategy development and use of e-Sourcing tools

• Excellent communication, project management and relationship building skills

• Strong organization and presentation skills

• Cross functional team leadership experience

WestRock (NYSE:WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock's team members support customers around the world from locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com.

WestRock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create and maintain a diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. WestRock does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.