Category Manager

Job Title:Site Buyer – Capital & MaintenanceAbout UsND Paper is a leading manufacturer of high-quality pulp, paper, and packaging products in the United States, generating over half a billion dollars in annual sales. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited – the largest containerboard producer in the world – ND Paper is part of a global network committed to excellence and innovation. With two integrated pulp and paper mills in Rumford, Maine and Biron, Wisconsin, a packaging plant in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and two sheeting facilities in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia, the ND Paper family produces nearly one million tons of products annually. Our 1,100 dedicated employees are the heart of our operations, and we are committed to fostering positive work environments where individuals can advance and thrive. At ND Paper, we are investing in our future, and that starts with our staff.The Site Buyer – Capital & Maintenance is responsible for the procurement of MRO supplies, maintenance services, and capital equipment to support mill operations. This role ensures continuity of supply, cost effectiveness, and alignment with project and maintenance schedules. The ideal candidate combines tactical buying capabilities with strategic thinking and leadership potential, making them a strong internal candidate for future progression into site-level purchasing leadership.Key ResponsibilitiesProcurement ExecutionSource, negotiate, and issue purchase orders for capital equipment, maintenance services, spare parts, and MRO materials in alignment with plant needs.Manage procurement activities related to planned shutdowns, emergency repairs, and capex projects.Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and delegated authority levels.Supplier ManagementBuild and maintain relationships with local, regional, and strategic vendors.Drive supplier performance by tracking on-time delivery, service quality, and cost competitiveness.Collaborate with EHS, Engineering, and Maintenance to vet suppliers for safety, quality, and reliability.Contracting & ComplianceSupport the drafting, review, and execution of contracts and service agreements in coordination with legal and corporate sourcing.Ensure compliance with environmental, legal, and ethical sourcing practices.Cost & Spend OptimizationIdentify cost savings opportunities and alternative sourcing strategies.Analyze spend data to reduce tail spend and consolidate suppliers where feasible.Assist in budget planning for MRO and capital expenditures.Collaboration & PlanningPartner with the maintenance, engineering, and operations teams to proactively plan procurement needs.Ensure parts and services are in place to support project timelines and plant reliability targets.Support inventory optimization efforts in collaboration with storeroom personnel.Leadership DevelopmentLearn and participate in key processes required of a future Purchasing Manager, including supplier audits, team supervision, and strategic sourcing planning.Serve as deputy to Purchasing Manager during absences and contribute to cross-functional leadership initiatives.QualificationsRequired:Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Purchasing, Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)5-7 years of experience in procurement, preferably in a manufacturing, heavy industry, or capital project environmentStrong knowledge of capital purchasing, MRO procurement, and service contractingProficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.) and Microsoft ExcelExcellent negotiation, communication, and vendor management skillsPreferredExperience supporting capital projects >$500KExposure to procurement for a pulp and paper or continuous manufacturing facilityFamiliarity with reliability-centered maintenance programsKey CompetenciesProcurement Execution Excellence – Strong purchasing discipline, process adherence, and follow-throughProject Agility – Able to meet tight deadlines in high-pressure maintenance or shutdown scenarios.Analytical Rigor – Uses data to drive decisions and supplier performance.Leadership Readiness – Demonstrates initiative, ownership, and the ability to lead cross-functional efforts.Stakeholder Collaboration – Communicates effectively across engineering, maintenance, operations, and corporate.Growth PathwayThis role is designed as a succession path into thePurchasing Managerrole within the site procurement function. Candidates will receive mentorship, exposure to broader supplier strategy, and increasing responsibility in vendor oversight, budgeting, and team leadership.CategoryDefinitionWhat Success Looks LikeProcurement ExecutionEfficiently executes RFQs, purchase orders, and vendor onboarding processes95% of POs issued on time with complete documentation; 98% OTIF (on-time, in-full) rate for critical partsCost ManagementAchieves cost savings through negotiation, competitive bidding, and sourcing alternativesAchieves ≥5% cost savings annually on addressable spend; implements at least one alternative supplier or spec change per quarterSupplier Relationship ManagementDevelops and maintains vendor relationships to support site needs and mitigate riskMaintains active performance reviews for top 10 suppliers; resolves disputes without escalation in ≥90% of casesContracting & ComplianceEnsures vendor compliance with safety, legal, and procedural requirements100% contract compliance for services; no audit findings or policy violations attributable to purchasing activityCross-Functional CollaborationWorks effectively with maintenance, engineering, operations, and finance teamsStakeholder satisfaction; anticipates needs and provides proactive support during outages or shutdownsLeadership DevelopmentDemonstrates readiness for higher responsibility by leading initiatives and improving systemsLeads at least 2 procurement improvement projects annually; serves as interim backup for Purchasing Manager as neededSystem Proficiency & Data IntegrityMaintains accurate records in ERP system and tracks purchasing performance100% accurate documentation, pricing, lead time, and vendor info; generates monthly spend reports with minimal oversightAttributes for SuccessHard work – tackle each task with determination, passion and creativity; the willingness to put in whatever effort is required to successfully complete the job at hand.Pursuit of Excellence – strive to consistently exceed expectations in our day-to-day work and outperform our competitors in the marketplace, regarding work and company achievements as a collaborative goal with the desire to go above and beyond.Integrity - treat the company and teammates with upmost respect, operating on strong moral codes to drive company values and culture.Sense of Urgency – drive forward each day with speed, agility, and flexibility to capture unrealized opportunities and avoid potential risks for the business.Entrepreneurial Spirit – act like an owner, challenging the status quo, asking the right questions, and actively seeking ways to innovate and improve.Adaptability – be fluid with ND Paper's continuous evolution while driving change in a fast-paced environment, equipped with the ability to acclimate quickly.Servant Leadership – set an example by implementing meaningful leadership with heart, empathy, foresight and stewardship.ApplyPlease submit your resume, and salary requirements to No unsolicited resumes - ND Paper does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume you submit to us will immediately become the property of ND Paper. If you would like to become a recruiter for ND Paper, please contact us and we will agree in writing to terms and the specific job roles for which you are authorized to recruit.