Job Description

What if you were given the opportunity and responsibility to make a difference? At International Paper, you control your destiny. We offer challenging assignments and total rewards in countries around the world. When we say infinite possibilities, we mean it. Apply now and join a community that improves people's lives, the planet and our company's performance by transforming renewable resources into products people depend on every day.
Position Title:
Category Manager- Pallets
Pay Rate:
$101,000 - $134,600 per year
Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range.
Category/Shift:
Salaried Full-Time
Location:
Remote/Hybrid
The Job You Will Perform:
This position is responsible for the procurement of MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) materials required to support our converting facilities with a focus on Industrial Pallet purchases. The Buyer will effectively utilize the CSSS process in either a lead or support role to increase value to IP. Scope includes procurement strategy development, negotiations, advanced analytical tools, contract administration, and ongoing supplier management across IP's North American box plant system. IP spends upwards of $400MM per year on MRO materials in converting annually. This role will have responsibility for approximately $90-100 million annually in expenditure with Industrial Pallets being the primary category of responsibility. There is 30%-40% travel expected for this role.
RESPONSIBILITIES: * Achieve targeted cost reduction goals in the purchase of Pallets and other MRO categories by lowering purchase price, streamlining processes, optimizing facility SKU usage and rationalization, reducing consumption, and negotiating better terms.

• Lead or support supplier management activities with strategic suppliers, conduct routine business reviews, and facilitate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) programs to drive savings.
• Act as Lead/Assist Buyer for the execution of sourcing event (wave) activities for MRO Categories. Utilize the CSSS process to create effective strategies that deliver maximum cost reduction and value creation.
• Must be able to formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists with decision making, policy formulation, or other purchasing functions.
• Act as the change management champion for contract categories managed, with responsibility for implementation of new agreements and reporting on contract compliance across the category
• Lead and participate in activities with an 80/20 mindset to continuously improve processes and eliminate nonvalue added waste in the sourcing process.

The Skills You Will Bring:
Bachelor's degree required. A minimum of 5 years' work experience is needed with facility, industry, extended purchasing or capital project experience preferred. Prior experience with the sourcing and management of Industrial Pallets as well is preferred. Successful candidates should have demonstrated leadership skills, technical aptitude, effective communication skills, analytical skills, an understanding of financial basics, the ability to work independently and the ability to act as a team player, including the strength/ability to stand alone when necessary. Good PC skills are needed for accessing financial data, analyzing alternatives, and preparing presentations. Use of the following software programs is required; SAP, Sievo, Sharepoint, Excel, and Powerpoint.
The key competencies for the successful candidate are as follows:

• Negotiating
• Action Oriented
• Drive for Results
• Priority Setting
• Timely Decision Making
• Decision Quality
• Conflict Management
• Dealing with Ambiguity
• Business Acumen
• Problem Solving
• Customer Focus
• Functional/Technical Skills
• Perseverance
• Technical Learning

The Benefits You Will Enjoy:
International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets.
The Impact You Will Make:
We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 120 years. Join our team and you'll see why our team members say they're Proud to be IP.
The Culture You Will Experience:
International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring, and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged, and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.
The Company You Will Join:
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa, and Europe. Net sales for 2022 were $21.2 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting InternationalPaper.com.
International Paper is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. International Paper complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact reasonable.accommodations@ipaper.com or (877) 973-3919.
Memphis TN 38197
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Location:
MEMPHIS, TN, US, 38197
Category: Sourcing
Date: Sep 8, 2025
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