Materials Buyer

Job Summary:

Own the sourcing strategy and day-to-day buying for corrugated boxes and plastic films that protect and present our products. You will secure capacity, support innovation, improve quality and sustainability, and deliver cost savings on our key packaging materials. You will also partner with procurement and production to properly time packaging purchases and manage inventory to maximize in-stock position while minimizing excess inventory.

Major Job Responsibilities/Job Duties:

• Manages key packaging components--corrugated boxes, plastic films, and labels—by working cross-functionally with creative, procurement, and production teams to determine packaging specifications, acquiring price quotes, negotiating minimum order quantities, negotiating and purchasing supplies and equipment, and coordinating lead times.
• Builds and executes short- and long-term category strategies for corrugated boxes, labels, and films, creating sourcing plans, cost models, and capacity reservations for peak season production. Deliver annual savings and inflation mitigation via material innovation, specification harmonization, footprint consolidation, and logistics optimization.
• Manages packaging inventory at all locations, creating inventory flow plans that align closely with procurement and production strategies. The goal is to create more just-in-time inventory flow to reduce the carrying costs of inventory.
• Works with production team to evaluate current packaging production processes, researching methods to improve output and reduce costs. Continually researches and tests new materials and equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 4- year college degree or equivalent
• Procurement or supply chain
• 2-3 years in procurement/sourcing, with direct ownership of corrugated and flexible films preferred, along with demonstrated savings delivery, index-based contracting, and supplier development.
• Must be able to lead and manage complex projects from conception to execution.
• Must be proficient in building files and worksheets using a computer.
• Must have extensive knowledge and experience in paperboard, corrugated, and plastic packaging components, including production of packaging materials.
• High-level understanding of industry trends and competitive factors.
• Ability to work independently and use a high degree of independent judgment to make sound decisions.
• Proficient in communicating effectively with vendors and negotiating prices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills coupled with excellent interpersonal and team skills.
• Must have exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills that support inventory and financial analysis.

Special Note:

• Military Veterans and their spouses are encouraged to apply.