Buyer (Packaging)

Position Summary

The Buyer plays a critical role within the procurement function and is responsible for issuing purchase orders accurately and efficiently once planned and firm orders are entered into the system. This position supports the timely flow of materials required to meet production schedules, customer demand, and inventory objectives. The ideal candidate will have experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment, strong organizational and analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Purchasing

• Process purchase orders within the ERP/MRP system based on firm production requirements.
• Ensure purchase orders are accurate, including:
• Quantities
• Pricing
• Delivery dates
• Minimum order quantities (MOQs)
• Supplier information
• Verify supplier confirmations for accuracy and completeness.
• Coordinate revisions to existing purchase orders, including schedule and quantity changes.
• Work with suppliers to resolve pricing, quality, and delivery issues.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation for audit and reporting purposes.
• Support procurement activities for long lead-time materials to align with production schedules.

Supplier Management

• Lead recurring supplier meetings to review open orders and address ongoing issues.
• Monitor supplier performance and communicate concerns proactively.
• Escalate high-risk supply chain issues when necessary.

Inventory & Risk Management

• Monitor material availability and identify potential supply risks.
• Review excess and slow-moving inventory and coordinate PO adjustments or cancellations as appropriate.
• Utilize ERP/MRP dashboards and reports to manage at-risk materials and supply interruptions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with planning, production, quality, and procurement teams to support operational goals.
• Communicate effectively across departments to ensure alignment on purchasing priorities and timelines.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent work experience considered.
• Supply chain certifications such as APICS CSCP or ISM CPSM are a plus.

Experience

• 3–5 years of purchasing or procurement experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Multi-location manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience with inventory management, logistics coordination, and procurement workflows.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Proven ability to identify supply chain risks and recommend solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities effectively.
• Strong attention to detail with a data-driven and analytical mindset.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems.
• Understanding of procurement processes, inventory control, and supply chain operations.
• Ability to analyze procurement data and generate actionable insights.

Communication Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to communicate clearly with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Strong listening and collaboration skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• General mobility within an office environment.
• Occasional exposure to manufacturing or production floor environments.
• Ability to read detailed information and work extensively on computer screens.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Purchase Order Turnaround Time

• Measure time from firm demand entry to PO issuance.
• Target: Purchase orders issued within 24–48 hours.

Purchase Order Confirmation Timeliness

• Measure supplier confirmation turnaround time.
• Target: Supplier confirmations received within 7 calendar days.

Material Risk Monitoring

• Conduct daily ERP/MRP dashboard reviews to identify at-risk materials.
• Target: 100% daily review completion with documented follow-up actions.

Inventory Management

• Monitor excess and slow-moving inventory.
• Coordinate PO pushouts or cancellations to support inventory optimization goals.

ABOUT ACCURATE PERSONNEL

Do you need your next job fast? Accurate Personnel is here to help! As an industry-leading full-service staffing agency, we have all the tools you need to start earning that next paycheck soon. Send us your application and our team will instantly get to work on finding you the right placement to fit your needs. Accurate Personnel has provided temporary job services and direct hire searches for 45 years. Our expertise has allowed us to grow from a regional Chicagoland office into a nationwide search firm that services over 500 clients while never losing sight of personalized service. Let Accurate work for you. Apply with us today!

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Accurate Personnel provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.