Category Specialist

Where Conviviality is at work.  
 

North American Distillers (NADL) is where we manufacture our award-winning American Whiskeys such as Jefferson’s, Rabbit Hole, TX Whiskey, Skrewball, and Smooth Ambler.  NADL is part of Pernod Ricard, a global premium spirits and wine company. We’re the team behind leading brands such as ABSOLUT® Vodka, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, and The Glenlivet® Scotch whiskey, as well as many more superior wines and exquisite champagnes! 

Working at NADL is all about igniting conviviality in all that we do. Derived from the French word, convivialité…it means human connection, authenticity, friendly, and jovial. Conviviality is energy and spirit with a splash of je ne sais quoi and is a core philosophy around how we live and work at Pernod Ricard.  

Guided by our 4 core values: (1) grounded in the real; (2) fiercely authentic; (3) passion for challenge; and (4) connected beyond borders; we are team players, dream makers, trailblazers, movers and (cocktail) shakers. We have a passion for living life to the fullest, making new friends every day, and realizing our potential as people and as a business! 

The salary range for this role, based in Louisville, KY, is $61,300.00 to $76,570.00. The range may vary if the role outside of this location. Base salaries are determined during our interview process, by assessing a candidate’s experience, skills against internal peers and against the scope and responsibilities of the position.

Position Summary:
 

This role is responsible for managing assigned packaging categories with a focus on supply continuity, cost optimization, supplier relationship management, and long-term category planning across Pernod Ricard North America manufacturing facilities and co-packers.

The position will serve as a strategic business partner to Operations, Quality, Innovation, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to proactively manage procurement activities, mitigate supply risks, support innovation initiatives, and deliver value through strategic sourcing and financial discipline.

This role is expected to balance operational execution with increasingly strategic responsibilities as part of Pernod Ricard’s long-term procurement transformation agenda.

Key Responsibilities:
 

Category Ownership & Strategic Sourcing

• Own assigned packaging categories and act as the primary procurement lead for category strategy development
• Build annual category sourcing plans aligned with business objectives
• Conduct market intelligence, supplier benchmarking, and cost analysis to proactively identify opportunities and risks
• Develop supplier diversification strategies to reduce sole-source exposure
• Lead sourcing events, negotiations, and contract execution for assigned categories

Supply Continuity & Risk Management

• Proactively monitor supplier capacity, inventory levels, and operational risks across manufacturing plants and co-packers
• Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies to ensure uninterrupted supply
• Identify and escalate supply risks before they impact operations
• Partner with operations and supply planning teams on demand forecasting and inventory optimization

Financial Ownership

• Support annual budgeting processes for assigned categories
• Monitor purchase price variance against budget assumptions
• Identify cost mitigation strategies related to inflation, commodity volatility, freight, and supplier changes
• Drive working capital initiatives including payment term optimization, MOQ improvements, and inventory reduction opportunities

Supplier Relationship Management

• Manage strategic supplier relationships focused on long-term performance
• Conduct supplier performance reviews
• Lead supplier development initiatives around quality, service, innovation, and cost competitiveness
• Collaborate with suppliers on continuous improvement opportunities

Innovation / NPD Support

(This is critical because your team spends massive time here)

• Partner with Innovation, Packaging Development, and Operations teams to support commercialization timelines
• Manage supplier quoting timelines
• Ensure procurement readiness for product launches
• Identify supply risks that may impact launch execution

Procurement Excellence & Analytics

• Maintain procurement dashboards and reporting tools
• Track contract coverage
• Support savings pipeline tracking
• Improve data visibility for leadership decision-making
• Identify automation opportunities within procurement workflows

Cross Functional Leadership

Partner proactively with:

• Operations
• Quality
• Finance
• Innovation
• Supply Planning
• Global Procurement

Skills & Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree and Purchasing/Supply Management certification is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in strategic sourcing/procurement of a CPG company in a packaging environment.
• Strong Influencing, Partnering, and Communication Skills at multiple levels and disciplines
• Excellent Problem Solving, Analytical, and Details Skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite software with focus on advanced excel
• Willingness to Travel approximately 15% (Canada & US)

When you join North American Distillers, you are part of the Pernod Ricard family. You’ll experience a workplace that is rich in heritage, driven by our iconic brands and a long-standing commitment to sustainability, safety, and giving back to the people and communities where we work. We know that happiness at work starts with that feeling of belonging you get from an inclusive culture where being uniquely you is celebrated. Our values are lived, they drive our behaviors, and it’s what brings our culture to life. 

Our work philosophy celebrates the magic of human connection with the flexibility needed to provide one's most meaningful contribution. We offer employees great benefits and perks to toast to a life filled with support. Check out PRUSABenefits.com for details. 

This recruitment process uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to match applicant skills with role requirements and qualifications.

NADL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It employs qualified individuals based solely on ability, training, and experience, and does not and will not, discriminate for or against any employee or applicant for employment or promotion based upon actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service or any other classification protected by law. Offers will be subject to United States local terms.

NADL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Pernod Ricard USA will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. To request reasonable accommodation during the application process, contact us at PR_NA_TalentAcquisition@pernod-ricard.com.

Job Posting End Date:

Target Hire Date:

2026-06-01

Target End Date: