What are the responsibilities and job description for the Buyer position at Flexpak Inc?
Job Tile: Buyer
Department: Procurement
Manager: Purchasing Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Summary:
Flexpak is seeking a dynamic and experienced Buyer to join our team. This position may be based at either our Utah or Colorado location. This is an onsite position within a fast-paced distribution environment.
In this role, the Buyer will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing packaging materials and supplies to support customer orders and operational needs. The Buyer plays a key role in ensuring inventory levels are optimized, supplier performance is maintained, and cost targets are achieved in alignment with company objectives. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and highly effective in vendor communication, with a strong ability to build supplier relationships and drive results.
Key Responsibilities
Purchasing and Procurement
- Source and purchase packaging materials including corrugated, films, foam, tapes, labels, shipping supplies, and custom packaging components.
- Manage purchase orders from creation through delivery, ensuring accuracy and timely fulfillment.
- Monitor supplier lead times, pricing, minimums, and product availability.
- Evaluate and qualify new suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and reliability.
Inventory and Supply Chain Management
- Maintain optimal inventory levels to support customer demand while minimizing excess and obsolescence.
- Collaborate with warehouse and planning teams to forecast needs, manage backorders, and resolve supply constraints.
- Track and reconcile discrepancies, damaged goods, and receiving variances.
Vendor Relations and Negotiation
- Build strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure responsive service.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, freight, and contract agreements to support cost-saving initiatives.
- Review supplier performance regularly and address issues proactively.
Internal Collaboration
- Work closely with sales, customer service, and operations to support quotes and special requests.
- When needed, assist with customer-specific packaging requirements and new product development.
- Provide accurate pricing and lead time updates to internal teams.
Data Reporting and Systems
- Maintain accurate item data, vendor information, and pricing within the ERP system.
- Analyze purchasing trends to support decision-making and identify improvement opportunities.
- Prepare reports on costs, supplier performance, and inventory metrics as needed.
Qualifications
- 2–4 years of purchasing experience, preferably in packaging or distribution.
- Strong negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office (Excel required).
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Preferred
- Experience purchasing corrugated, films, foam, or other packaging materials.
- Familiarity with supply chain, logistics, and inventory management principles.
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
Key Competencies
- Attention to Detail
- Vendor Relationship Management
- Cost Awareness and Negotiation
- Time Management
- Critical Thinking and Initiative
- Customer Focus
- Collaboration and Communication
Benefits
At Flexpak, we believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, company-paid life insurance, voluntary life & ADA insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, a Health Savings Account with employer contributions, and voluntary accident insurance. We also provide opportunities for growth and development in a workplace guided by our EOW Core Values: Expect Extraordinary, Own It, and Win Together. Grow Together. These values shape how we serve our customers, take responsibility, and support one another’s success. Join us and experience what it means to be part of an extraordinary team!