Category Manager, CapEx and Industrial OpEx

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 Kentucky, is $112,880.00 to $141,100.00. 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.

Overview:

The Regional Category Manager, CapEx and Industrial OpEx role will play a key role within Pernod Ricard’s Global Procurement organisation, by supporting strategic sourcing activities across the Group’s industrial capital expenditure portfolio in North America. Reporting to the Global Head of Procurement for Industrial Capex, the Category Manager will manage end‑to‑end procurement activities for assigned categories and directly contribute to operational excellence, cost optimisation, and long-term supplier partnerships.

The role will also provide direct procurement support projects across North American distillery operations and associated sites.

Core Requirements:

You will excel in this role if you:

• Are an experienced procurement professional with a background in Engineering, Industrial Capex, or Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO).
• Have a proven track record running complex RFP/RFQ processes across multiple categories related to industrial capex.
• Possess advanced negotiation, analytical and problem‑solving skills, with strong financial acumen and the ability to embed procurement processes and performance metrics with functional stakeholders.
• Understand contracting mechanisms and standards for capex sourcing (e.g., MF/1, Orgalim, or comparable frameworks).
• Can prioritise effectively, managing a demanding and multi-faceted workload.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, ideally with experience working across multiple sites and global teams.
• Proven track record in delivering savings and efficiencies.
• Demonstrate the ability to embed change and implement new Ways of Working.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration:

Internal Stakeholders

As part of the Global Industrial Capex Procurement team, you will work closely with:

• Global Head of Procurement, Industrial Capex (direct manager).
• Global and local Capex Procurement Category Managers.
• Operations teams across Pernod Ricard North America and North American Distillers Ltd.
• Finance, Supply Chain, and Engineering teams.

Other Key internal stakeholders include:

• VP, NA Manufacturing, Global Category Director (Logistics & Capex), Global Head of Engineering and associated Regional functional leaders.

External Stakeholders

You will engage with a diverse supplier base—both global and local—to ensure the delivery of goods and services to the highest standards, driving supplier performance and fostering long-term partnerships.

Job Purpose:

The Regional Category Manager, CapEx and Industrial OpEx is responsible for sourcing and managing goods and services within assigned capex categories. The objective is to optimise sourcing performance in alignment with Pernod Ricard’s global procurement strategy, contributing to efficiency, savings, and risk mitigation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the execution of the Global Industrial Capex Procurement Strategy, ensuring the pillars of Fuel, Protect, and Leverage are embedded in daily operations.
• Identify, negotiate, and deliver against capex procurement savings targets.
• Ensure full compliance with Pernod Ricard procurement policies.
• Analyse and challenge customer demand to ensure purchasing decisions support business needs and the global category strategy.
• Conduct supplier engagement activities including RFPs, negotiations, and contract implementation.
• Oversee supplier performance using best‑in‑class practices, including performance reviews and audits.
• Support third‑party risk management, assessing category risks and identifying suppliers at potential risk.
• Lead or support contract drafting, negotiation, and contract lifecycle management.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong negotiation skills and commercial acumen.
• High analytical capability and attention to detail.
• Innovative and self‑sufficient working style.
• Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork orientation.
• Clear, structured, and persuasive communication.
• Proficiency with financial management systems.
• Ability to understand and interpret legal documents and contracts.
• Commitment to Pernod Ricard values: Real, Remarkable, Responsible.
• Knowledge of sustainable procurement practices.
• Very strong time and activity planning and management.
• Proven experience and capabilities in digital & e-sourcing tools.

Qualifications & Experience:

Academic Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• Professional procurement accreditation (e.g., CIPS, ISM) is advantageous.

Professional Experience

• Five plus years’ procurement experience in a Global organizational environment.
• Strong understanding of Industrial Capex categories or comparable experience in areas such as civil engineering, construction, industrial equipment, or plant.
• FMCG sector experience is beneficial but not essential.

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 [email protected].

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