Category Manager - Packaging

Job Description

The Category Manager, Packaging is a results-driven procurement professional responsible for overseeing the sourcing, supplier management, inventory planning and supply chain execution of packaging materials across Eataly North America’s operations in the United States and Canada. 

The ideal candidate combines strong procurement expertise with analytical capabilities and operational acumen to support Eataly’s retail, restaurant, production, commissary and ecommerce businesses. 

Responsibilities 

• Packaging Supply Chain Management: Oversees packaging inventory replenishment, demand forecasting, and supplier lead times to ensure uninterrupted supply across all Eataly North America locations. 

• Data and Catalog Management: Maintains accurate packaging master data, supplier records, item catalogs, specifications and pricing information within ERP and procurement systems. 

• Category Strategy and Procurement: Develops and executes category strategies for direct and indirect packaging across the United States and Canada, balancing cost, quality, service, sustainability and innovation objectives. 

• Additional Category Management: Manages other assigned procurement categories and operational items, including tools, collateral and store supplies, as needed to support the broader business and operational needs.

• Supplier Relationship Management: Establishes and maintains strategic partnerships with packaging manufacturers and distributors. Conducts supplier performance reviews and drives continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Strategic Sourcing and Negotiations: Assist with requests for proposals, contract negotiations and pricing discussions to achieve cost savings, favorable payment terms and service-level improvements while mitigating supply risk.   

• New Product Development and Innovation: Partners with Marketing, Culinary, Production, Operations and Merchandising teams to source and implement packaging solutions that support new product launches, private label initiatives and customer experience enhancements. 

• Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensures packaging materials meet food safety, labeling, environmental and regulatory requirements across the United States and Canada while adhering to Eataly quality and brand standards. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partners closely with Store Operations, Retail, Restaurants, Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Marketing and Distribution teams to ensure packaging solutions support business objectives and operational needs. 

• Additional Duties: Performs other duties assigned to support Procurement and Supply Chain initiatives and overall business objectives.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in procurement, category management, sourcing or supply chain management; Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience 

• Experience with inventory planning, demand forecasting and supply chain management 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookups and financial analysis 

• Excellent communication, project management and stakeholder management skills 

• Experience managing packaging categories within food manufacturing, foodservice, retail, consumer packaged goods, hospitality or distribution environments is a plus

The annual salary range for this position is $75,000–$85,000. Compensation is based on experience, skills, education and market conditions. 

Additional Information

Benefits and Perks

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance 

• Paid Time Off 

• Paid Parental Leave 

• 401(k) with Company Match or RRSP 

• Bonus Program 

• Free Family Meal Daily 

• Discounts at Eataly 

• Classes on products and Italian cuisine 

• Referral Bonus Program 

• And more!

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Eataly is an equal employment opportunity employer. It is the Company’s policy to not unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other characteristic made unlawful to consider by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Eataly also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also Eataly’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding consideration of unemployment status, salary history, credit/bankruptcy history and criminal background/conviction history in making hiring decisions.  If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.