Packaging Category Manager

Are you ready for what’s next?  

Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond.  Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation. 

Innovation is the heart of Brunswick.  See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality:

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Packaging Category Manager to lead the end-to-end management of packaging materials and solutions. This role will drive innovation, cost optimization, and supplier excellence across all packaging categories, including corrugated, flexible films, rigid plastics, wood, contract packaging, returnable packaging, and specialty materials. This unique role blends technical packaging engineering expertise with commercial acumen, driving value across the supply chain while ensuring innovation, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in Packaging Engineering (or related field), a strong background in contract negotiation and supplier management, and a proven ability to collaborate across diverse internal and external stakeholders—from manufacturing and engineering to marketing, supply chain, and end users. This role also includes managing and developing a team of packaging engineers and a category buyer, fostering technical excellence and strategic execution.

At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver. 

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of packaging engineers and category buyer.
• Set clear goals, provide coaching, and support career development to build technical and strategic capabilities.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture focused on continuous improvement and value creation.

Category Strategy & Management

• Develop and execute category strategies for packaging materials and services aligned with business goals.
• Monitor market trends, innovations, and risks to inform sourcing decisions.

Contract & Supplier Management

• Lead complex contract negotiations, ensuring favorable terms, risk mitigation, and compliance.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Packaging Design & Engineering

• Lead the design and development of returnable and consumable packaging solutions that meet operational, sustainability, and cost objectives.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure packaging designs are optimized for automation, logistics, and point-of-use efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with internal stakeholders including Manufacturing, R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Marketing to align packaging solutions with business needs.
• Act as a liaison between technical and commercial teams to ensure packaging meets functional, regulatory, and sustainability requirements.

Cost Optimization & Innovation

• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or performance.
• Drive packaging innovation through supplier engagement and internal collaboration.

Sustainability & Compliance

• Ensure packaging solutions align with sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.
• Support lifecycle assessments and environmental impact evaluations.

Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skillsets/experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical discipline. Advanced degree or MBA is a plus.
• 10+ years in packaging engineering, procurement, or category management roles.
• Proven experience in contract negotiation and supplier management.
• Experience managing technical and/or commercial teams.
• Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to translate technical requirements into commercial strategies.
• Proficiency in sourcing tools, ERP systems, and data analysis platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a manufacturing or CPG environment.
• Knowledge of packaging sustainability trends and regulations.
• Demonstrated success in cross-functional leadership and stakeholder engagement.
• Familiarity with returnable packaging systems, reusable container design, and consumable packaging lifecycle management.

The anticipated pay range for this position is $100,900 to $160,800 annually. The actual base pay offered will vary depending on multiple factors including job- related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

At Brunswick, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the salary range for their role. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context.

This position is eligible to participate in Brunswick's comprehensive and high-quality benefits offerings, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401k (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), well-being program, product purchase discounts and much more. Details about our benefits can be found here.

Why Brunswick:

Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll be at the leading edge.  As the clear leader in the marine industry, we’re committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer and encourage growth opportunities within and across our many brands. In addition, we’re proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards! 

About Mercury Marine:

Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Mercury Marine® is the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury provides engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications. Mercury empowers boaters with products that are easy to use, extremely reliable and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world. The company’s industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury outboard engines, Mercury MerCruiser® sterndrive and inboard packages, Mercury propellers, Mercury inflatable boats, Mercury SmartCraft® electronics, Land 'N' Sea marine parts distribution and Mercury and Quicksilver® parts and oils. More information is available at MercuryMarine.com

Next Is Now!

We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying.

Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.  If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hrsharedservices@brunswick.com for support. 

For more information about EEO laws, - click here

Brunswick and Workday Privacy Policies

Brunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: hrsharedservices@brunswick.com or 866-278-6942.

All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https:///www.brunswick.com/careers.  If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or HRSharedServices@brunswick.com.

#Brunswick Corporation - Mercury Marine