What are the responsibilities and job description for the Packaging Category Buyer position at Astrix?
- Pay: $32-36/hr
- Hours: 8a-5p M-F
- Terms: 6 month contract-to-hire
Purchasing & Procurement
- Purchase packaging and raw material components required for plant operations using ERP/MRP systems (Ross/Aptean).
- Create accurate purchase orders and ensure on-time material receipt in alignment with production planning.
- Monitor inventory levels and prepare purchasing schedules to maintain “just-in-time” supply.
- Verify purchase requisitions, compare requirements to master lists, clarify unclear items, and recommend alternatives.
- Negotiate cash discounts, volume pricing, contract terms, and OEM agreements to support cost savings goals.
- Research, evaluate, and qualify suppliers based on pricing, service, quality, capability, reliability, and market reputation.
- Conduct strategic sourcing initiatives to reduce spend, support continuous improvement, and reduce supply chain risk.
- Negotiate and execute supply agreements and category contracts.
- Maintain vendor performance records including pricing histories and operational issues.
- Track commodity markets (fiberboard, resin, steel, etc.) and key cost drivers affecting the packaging category.
- Maintain master lists of all packaging components; monitor monthly cost fluctuations and communicate changes to Accounting and Sales.
- Design new packaging components (poly drums, liners, super sacks, cartons, fiber drums) for customers and internal use.
- Create, implement, and reconcile annual RFQs to meet organizational cost-saving initiatives.
- Meet annual cost-saving targets established by the Purchasing Manager and Executive Team.
- Attend weekly production planning meetings and coordinate lead times, shipment schedules, and quantity requirements with Planning and Sales teams.
- Work closely with Production, Quality, Accounting, and other departments to ensure purchasing needs are met.
- Develop procedures for receiving and verification of goods; resolve shipment discrepancies with suppliers.
- Prepare PowerPoint presentations for Executive leadership and Board-level reviews when requested.
- Collect, analyze, and summarize purchasing data and trends to support decision-making and forecasting.
- Maintain accessible, accurate purchasing documentation and files.
- Follow established purchasing policies and assist in updating procedures when necessary.
- Complete additional tasks assigned by Management to support the improvement of Jost operations.
Education
- Associate or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Purchasing, or related field required.
- Minimum 3 years of purchasing experience using ERP/MRP systems (preferably in food/pharma manufacturing or distribution).
- Purchasing or supply chain certification (e.g., CSPM) preferred.
- Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- High attention to detail and organizational accuracy.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint required).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Strong negotiation skills with experience managing RFQs, contracts, and supplier performance.
- Purchasing processes, procurement policy compliance, and strategic sourcing methodology.
- Inventory monitoring, planning, and delivery scheduling.
- Supplier evaluation based on price, quality, service, and performance history.
- Research, evaluate, and select suppliers using qualitative and quantitative criteria.
- Expedite orders and resolve shipment discrepancies.
- Support organizational goals through cost savings initiatives and effective procurement decisions.
- Maintain accurate purchasing documentation, records, and reporting tools.
Salary : $32 - $36