Procurement, Packaging Materials Lead - SBFA

Who We Are

Suntory is a global leader in consumer-packaged goods, renowned for producing and distributing a uniquely diverse portfolio of beverages, premium spirits, beer, wine, and wellness products throughout the world. With a history dating back to 1899, we are driven by a profound purpose: To inspire the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. At Suntory Beverage and Food, we boldly move forward together to realize the dreams of becoming a world-leading next-generation global beverage company, always together with Seikatsusha – you are an important part of this and here’s how your role helps us win.

About your role

This role leads the procurement of packaging materials, goods, and related services, ensuring optimal value delivery across cost, quality, sustainability, and supply assurance. It plays a key role in strengthening procurement as a best-in-class function by driving effective sourcing strategies, leveraging external market insights, and building strong supplier partnerships within the packaging ecosystem.

The role is responsible for developing and executing packaging category strategies, delivering financial targets, managing supplier performance, mitigating risks, and ensuring continuity of supply to support business objectives.

What You'll Do

Category Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for packaging materials
• Manage supplier relationships, performance, contracts, and pricing to ensure cost, quality, and supply continuity
• Collaborate with global/regional teams on category strategy execution

Stakeholder Management

• Partner with internal teams (R&D, Marketing, Production, Logistics, Finance) to align procurement with business needs
• Provide strategic updates and collaborate across regional entities and suppliers to deliver packaging strategies

Supply Assurance & Risk Management

• Drive risk management strategies for critical materials, including contingency planning
• Monitor supply risks (e.g., disruptions, price volatility) and ensure demand-supply alignment

Innovation (NPD)

• Support innovation pipeline by aligning sourcing strategies with NPD requirements
• Track market trends and innovations in packaging to drive competitive advantage

Processes, Systems & Reporting

• Ensure effective Procure-to-Pay (P2P) execution and strong governance controls
• Drive SOP improvements and leverage data analytics for performance tracking and decision-making
• Report on procurement performance, cost savings, and supplier metrics

Contract Management & Compliance

• Lead contract negotiations and ensure compliance with agreed terms
• Manage contracts to optimize value and supply chain efficiency

Sustainability

• Drive sustainable sourcing initiatives in partnership with ESG and suppliers
• Promote environmentally and ethically responsible packaging practices

What You need to be successful

Leadership & Core Competencies

• Strong influencing and communication skills with the ability to build coalitions and align stakeholders
• Strategic thinker with solid business acumen and a results-driven mindset
• Agile, adaptable, and innovative with a strong learning orientation
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Proven leadership and people development experience in cross-cultural environments
• Willingness to travel internationally

Technical Skills

• Expertise in strategic sourcing of packaging materials, particularly rigid packaging (resin, preforms, aluminium cans, caps, closures)
• Strong knowledge of e-procurement tools and SAP systems
• Experience in procurement risk management and supply assurance
• Strong English communication skills (written and spoken)

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong drive for results and accountability
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across functions
• High learning agility and growth mindset

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.