Job Description

The Buyer, Packaging is responsible for supplying our food manufacturing plant with raw materials necessary for our operations, with a strong focus on packaging materials. This position reports directly to the Director of Procurement and is charged with efficiently sourcing raw materials and maintaining optimum inventory levels.

We are looking for individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments and will be hard working, punctual, dependable, self-motivated, self-managed, organized, and flexible. The ideal candidate will be efficient at self-managing and looking for a long-term commitment to grow within a growing company.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the development and implementation of packaging procurement strategies in support of Company objectives.
• Lead and drive cost savings strategies and initiatives, plus develop and maintain department metrics for inventory, working capital, and purchase price variance.
• Lead negotiation with suppliers and vendors to secure favorable cost reductions and advantageous terms.
• Develop and implement requests for proposals (RFPs) aimed at delivering target cost savings and quality services to current and potential vendors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with all vendors and suppliers.
• Prepare procurement reports, analysis, and recommendations for company leadership.
• Develop benchmarks and metrics, including a routine scorecard, to set baseline standards and review for improvement opportunities.
• Identify challenges and provide solutions to resolve issues.
• Manage the purchasing team to set and meet objectives consistent with business requirements.
• Ensure that the purchasing team supports production schedules in the most cost-effective manner and expedites supply when needed.
• Support new product rollouts by ensuring all new materials, including ingredients and packaging, are in place for production, and planning initial inventories and replenishment strategy.
• Maintain a strong focus on the sourcing and procurement of packaging material - including but not limited to pouches, corrugated boxes, paperboard materials, and film - to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and availability for all manufacturing operations.
• Work cross-functionally with other purchasing managers to support broader buying functions as needed.
• Understand market trends and volatility.
• Collaborate with business partners to understand demand and supplier trends (market).
• All other duties as assigned and necessary.

What You’ll Need:

• 5+ years’ experience of progressive leadership experience including all phases of strategic purchasing.
• Experience working within SAP or a similar ERP system.
• Strong background in commodity purchasing and sourcing of top food categories (protein, produce, specialty foods) plus related materials (packaging)
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or Supply Chain preferred.
• Strong aptitude for building relationships and negotiating effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong problem solving/critical thinking skills.
• Strong mathematical skills.
• Thrives in a fast-paced/dynamic environment.
• Impeccable communication skills.
• Reputation for volunteering readily, seeking increased responsibilities, and meeting challenges with resourcefulness.
• Track record of consistently collaborating with other team members and completing tasks on time with the necessary urgency.
• Ensuring that we never short a customer order due to not securing the required ingredients and packaging

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