Buyer II

Rapid Packaging has an exciting new opportunity for a Buyer II to become part of our energetic and dedicated Purchasing team. The Buyer II plays a key role in leading the procurement of domestic goods and services, supporting the company’s operational and strategic needs. This position is responsible for identifying and evaluating vendors, managing the RFQ process, negotiating favorable terms, and acquiring products and services that align with business requirements.

This role balances cost effectiveness with high quality standards, works closely with suppliers to build strong, long-term relationships, and ensures accurate inventory management. This role also ensures all procurement activities align with budgetary guidelines and the company’s overall strategic objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Order and Maintain Inventory: Ensure appropriate inventory levels for customer requests.
• Product Information and Pricing: Obtain details on products, prices, lead times, and specifications.
• Vendor Source List: Maintain an updated list of approved alternate suppliers in the P21 (MRP system). Evaluate and engage alternative vendors to improve cost-effectiveness and service quality.
• Vendor Relationships: Cultivate strong relationships with vendors to facilitate timely communication and address product or supply issues.
• Quotations and Customer Service: Prepare and communicate product quotations for customer service and sales.
• Project Management: Handle multiple purchasing-related projects concurrently.
• Vendor Credits and Replacements: Collaborate closely with vendors and suppliers regarding credits and product replacements.
• Vendor Collaboration: Continuously engage with new and existing vendors to enhance the company’s competitive edge.
• Due Date Updates: Communicate any changes in due dates promptly.
• Vendor Pricing: Maintain accurate vendor pricing information in P21.
• Dormant Inventory: Manage dormant inventory items effectively.
• Cross-train with supply chain team to ensure operational coverage.
• Data Updates: Regularly update item forecasts, vendor lead times, item substitutes, and replenishment methods.
• Corrective Action Forms: Keep Corrective Action forms up to date and track them monthly.
• Process Improvement: Develop best-in-class purchasing processes and lead their implementation within the team.
• Alternate Suppliers: Continuously explore viable alternate suppliers meeting quality and reliability requirements.

• Vendor Scorecard Reviews: Lead vendor scorecard review meetings.
• Market Conditions: Evaluate the current market landscape. Understand trends, competitors, and any external factors that might impact your product or service
• Training: Train fellow purchasing associates on existing best practices and system functionality.
• Customer and Vendor Returns Procedures: Develop, enhance, and implement effective procedures for handling customer and vendor returns. Ensure streamlined processes to manage returns efficiently.
• Ad Hoc Strategic Projects: Provide support for ad hoc strategic projects as needed. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.
• Staff and Management Meetings: Attend staff and management level meetings as necessary. Active participation in discussions and decision-making processes.
• Miscellaneous Tasks: Perform other miscellaneous tasks as required by management representatives. Adaptability and flexibility in handling diverse responsibilities

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related major, preferably with three plus years of supplies purchasing experience; or equivalent work and supplies purchasing related experience
• Knowledge of industry and related products helpful
• Product/Category/Commodity Management Experience
• Extensive experience working in a team environment
• Experience with Microsoft Office software and other spreadsheet applications

• Exposure to computer software such as accounting, purchasing, MRP systems, or order processing is preferred
• Epicor Prophet 21 experience is preferred
• Crystal Reports and/or Business Analyzer experience is preferred

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to read and interpret purchasing related documents and information
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and confidential company information
• Strong ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with vendors, customers, and co-workers

• Above average ability to work with numbers and calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, percentages, and volume.

BENEFITS:

As an employee of Rapid Packaging, you will become part of an energetic team environment that truly recognizes our employees’ hard work.  We offer the following benefits to our employees:

• Health care and well-being programs including Medical, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off starting at 16 days/year and increasing with years of service
• 401(k) & ROTH Retirement Savings with company match
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company match
• Flex Spending Account (FSA) & Dependent Care Account (DCA)
• Basic Life/AD&D Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• A strong company culture!

Looking for a workplace where your skills matter and your growth is supported? At Rapid Packaging, we’re proud to be a small, collaborative company where every team member makes a meaningful impact. Our culture of innovation, teamwork, and customer focus has helped us earn recognition as a Top Workplace by The Minnesota Star Tribune for multiple years, and our 50 years in business reflect the stability and trust we’ve built along the way. If you’re motivated and ready to make an impact, take the next step in your career with Rapid Packaging.   

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Salary : $65,000 - $85,000