Strategic Buyer
Smurfit Westrock is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions, with operations in over 40 countries and more than 100,000 employees worldwide. In Sweden, the company operates its plant in Piteå—Europe’s largest kraftliner mill—with approximately 510 employees and an annual production of over 700,000 tons of kraftliner, which is used to produce high-quality corrugated cardboard. The plant serves as a hub for innovation and quality and holds a strong position within both Swedish industry and the global group. By powering production with biofuels and recycling waste heat as district heating, Smurfit Westrock takes active responsibility for the environment and the local community. Sustainability is not a side issue—it is a cornerstone of the business. From responsible forestry and advanced water treatment to long-term community engagement, sustainability permeates every link in the company’s value chain. Read more at: www.smurfitwestrock.se
Smurfit Westrock is seeking a business-driven Strategic Buyer who wants to take a leading role in developing the company’s sustainable business in a global market.
We are looking for someone with strong negotiation skills and experience in managing large and complex deals. As a Strategic Buyer at Smurfit Westrock, you will play a key role in the company’s business development—with responsibility for major contracts, international supplier partnerships, and frequent interactions with both internal and external stakeholders.
You will represent the company in key business negotiations and serve as its public face. With your drive, business acumen, and fresh perspectives, you will help develop our procurement processes and foster knowledge sharing within the team.
Working closely with internal clients, you will conduct procurement processes, manage ongoing contract matters, and develop existing contracts. You will collaborate closely with the purchasing manager, colleagues, and the Group’s central purchasing function to lead business processes from analysis through to the final contract.
The role also involves responsibility for commercial negotiations, monitoring cost and market trends, and supplier qualification—always with a strong focus on business and sustainability, in line with Smurfit Westrock’s policies and guidelines.
About the role:
As a Strategic Buyer, you will play a key role in developing and managing the company’s supplier relationships and ensuring cost-effective, sustainable, and long-term business arrangements. You will lead negotiations, evaluate suppliers, and actively contribute to Smurfit Westrock’s goals in the areas of quality, the environment, and business value.
• Be responsible for strategic procurement in selected categories.
• Lead and participate in negotiations, procurement processes, and supplier evaluations.
• Work across departments with production, logistics, and engineering.
• Contribute to improvement projects and sustainability initiatives.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for someone with proven experience in strategic procurement—preferably from the manufacturing or process industries. You have strong negotiation skills and are confident in handling both domestic and international business. You thrive in a role where the business is the focus, and you have the ability to drive processes from analysis through to completion.
As a person, you are analytical, self-motivated, and have a natural business mindset. You bring fresh perspectives to the table and are accustomed to taking responsibility from start to finish.
Here’s what you’ll bring to the role:
• Experience with complex procurement and business negotiations.
• A bachelor’s degree in economics, engineering, or a related field.
• Excellent communication skills in Swedish and English.
• Strong experience working with business systems and data-driven decision-making.
Location – Piteå
At Smurfit Westrock, you’ll be part of a stable and reliable employer that offers excellent employment terms and opportunities for growth. Here, you’ll find varied and meaningful work in a values-driven organization, where you’ll collaborate with skilled and dedicated colleagues who value both results and job satisfaction. Together, you represent one of the world’s most well-known and respected brands in sustainable packaging solutions.
Apply now and become part of a global company where sustainability and business development go hand in hand.
For more information about the position, please contact Besi-Chefsrekrytering, Authorized Executive Search Consultant Tomas Blomster, at 076–636 57 60.