The Principal Category Specialist leads Procurement activities for strategic business transformation initiatives while providing ongoing category management in partnership with the assigned department. This position plays a critical role in driving sourcing, supplier negotiations, contract development, and business case analysis for high-impact projects with significant impact on the company's operational and financial performance. Day To Day Role Lead procurement activities supporting strategic department projects from sourcing strategy through contract execution Partner with other internal departments such as Logistics, Operations, and/or Finance teams to address supplier issues, service escalations, pricing requests, contract amendments, and continuous improvement opportunities Serve as the primary Procurement business partner for the assigned function, supporting both strategic initiatives and ongoing operational requirements Develop and execute negotiation strategies with specialty providers, companies, partners, and/or related suppliers Drive supplier selection processes including RFIs, RFPs, bid evaluations, and commercial assessments Build comprehensive business cases, financial analyses, and total cost of ownership models to support executive decision-making Partner with cross-functional teams such as Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, Finance, Engineering, Legal, and/or Executive Leadership Draft, review, negotiate, and manage commercial contracts and statements of work in collaboration with Legal Identify and quantify cost savings, operational improvements, risk mitigation opportunities, and service enhancements Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations and recommendations for leadership reviews, steering committees, and board meetings Develop and execute category strategies for assigned department spend areas, including annual planning, market assessments, supplier performance reviews, and savings initiatives Provide procurement expertise and market intelligence regarding logistics industry trends, supplier capabilities, and commercial best practices Ensure procurement activities align with corporate governance, compliance, and risk management requirements Support implementation planning and supplier transition activities as needed Core Skills and Qualifications The Ideal Candidate Must Possess the Following: Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in business, supply chain management, logistics, finance, engineering, or a related field of study Advanced experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, and supply chain May require advanced knowledge of transportation networks, distribution operations, freight management, and logistics cost drivers Experience supporting large-scale supply chain transformation or network optimization projects Demonstrated success leading complex sourcing initiatives and supplier negotiations Strong knowledge of commercial contract structures, terms and conditions, and contract risk management Exceptional business case development and financial modeling capabilities Strong commercial acumen with experience developing and executing executive-level materials Proven ability to communicate effectively with senior executives, including C-suite leadership and Boards of Directors Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, highly visible project environment Familiar with change management best practices Preferred Skills and Qualifications Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, CPIM, PMP, or equivalent#LI-AD2Overview: Dart makes everyday products that give people the freedom to enjoy the food & drinks they love, wherever they are. From to-go containers and dinnerware to tamper-evident food packaging and even the red SOLO cup, Dart products have been keeping people on the go and having fun for 65 years. We're a family-owned, family-focused company of 12,000 employees united by a shared set of values and dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. Headquartered in Mason, MI, with 30 locations in three countries, we're proud of our ability to innovate, manufacture and lead the way with each new generation of quality products.
Benefits:
Dart Container full-time employees enjoy great benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company matching contributions, paid vacation, paid holidays, short-term disability, tuition assistance, product discounts and more. Dart Container is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are subject to a drug test (excluding THC*/marijuana/cannabis) and background check at the time of offer.*THC testing ONLY when such testing is required by law. Dart Container is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all candidates for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access this website or for the application process, you should call Dart at (800) 545-3278 Ext 3370 or email us at ADArequests@dart.biz. Relay calls can be made by dialing 711 or the relay number for your state. If you experience difficulty applying online, you may call (800) 545-3278 Ext 3390 or email us at applicationassistance@dart.biz for assistance.
