Job Information
Novolex MRO Category Manager in Lake Forest, Illinois
Company Overview
Why Choose Us?
Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple industries including foodservice, restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. Novolex manufacturing and sourcing expertise spans a diverse range of substrates including resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum and more. We provide customers a broad array of stock and customized solutions with 120 product categories, 250 brands and over 39,000 SKUs.
Our Sustainability Commitment
The Novolex sustainability vision is built upon three pillars: our products, our operations and our people. Each is critically important to our growth and future as a business. These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives.
Job Description
Overview:
Implements and executes the strategy for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations categories, ensuring reliable supply, cost optimization, and operational continuity. Partners cross-functionally to manage suppliers, negotiate contracts, standardize spend, and deliver measurable value at scale.
*This is an on-site role based in either Lake Forest, IL or Charlotte, NC
Responsibilities:
Implement and execute MRO category strategies to optimize cost, quality, and supply continuity
Own supplier selection, negotiations, contracts, and performance management
Drive spend visibility, standardization, and post-merger or multi-site synergies
Partner across organizational functions to implement programs enterprise-wide, supporting operational continuity, safety, and scalable execution
Identify and deliver cost-savings and efficiency opportunities at scale
Manage risk, ensure compliance, and support continuous improvement initiatives
Define and execute Ariba and punchout catalog strategies to improve compliance, user experience, and guided buying adoption
Partner across organizational functions to support MRO inventory strategy, governance, and end-to-end inventory processes
Provide support to operations in implementing standard MRO processes across the organization
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred
6-8 years of experience in MRO or indirect spend category management, preferably in large, complex organizations
Proven track record of delivering measurable cost savings, operational improvements, and post-merger synergy realization
Strong experience with Ariba, Coupa, SAP punchout catalogs, e-procurement systems, and guided buying strategies
Expertise in supplier management, contract negotiations, and performance optimization
Hands-on experience supporting MRO inventory strategy, standard process implementation, and enterprise-wide program execution
Exceptional cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills
Analytical mindset with the ability to leverage data to drive decisions and identify opportunities
Strong understanding of risk management, compliance, and continuous improvement methodologies
Compensation:
A reasonable estimate of the current range is $102,800 - 171,300 + bonus + benefits. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. At Novolex, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.
The benefits for this role include 401(k) plan with company match, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, paid vacation, and sick days, paid parental leave, paid holidays and wellness program.
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Company Benefits
What You'll Get From Us
Benefits
With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well-being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well-being programs may vary depending on where you work.
Community Engagement
At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.
Training and Development
We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through MyLearning. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union), and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.
Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact myHRservices@novolex.com .
Formerly Pactiv Evergreen
Job Locations US-IL-Lake Forest
ID 2026-32888
Category Sales
Position Type Full Time
Pay Type Salaried