Purchasing Manager

About Us

Wausau Container Corporation is a Wausau, Wisconsin-based manufacturer with over 30 years of experience producing high-quality folding cartons for the food, beverage, and retail industries. We are known for innovative, reliable solutions and a commitment to quality, precision, and customer satisfaction.

Position Overview

Wausau Container Corporation is seeking a detail-oriented, analytical, and results-driven Purchasing Manager to lead material procurement and inventory management.

This role strategically manages purchasing and inventory accuracy for production while requiring strong leadership, sound judgment, financial accountability, and a commitment to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

The Purchasing Manager partners with production and suppliers to manage purchasing, optimize inventory, reduce costs, and improve efficiency and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee purchasing and inventory management to ensure material availability and support production requirements.
• Analyze production schedules, material demand, purchasing history, and inventory trends to develop effective purchasing and inventory strategies.
• Manage purchase orders, material pricing, and purchasing records to ensure accuracy and cost efficiency.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships, negotiate competitive pricing and terms, and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce aging, excess, and obsolete inventory while maintaining proper FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory practices.
• Ensure inventory accuracy by resolving discrepancies, allocation errors, and vendor credits for defective materials.
• Review and analyze production reports to ensure accurate reporting of material usage, waste, downtime, and job assignments.
• Utilize Excel, Power BI, and internal reporting systems to evaluate purchasing expenditures, inventory performance, and material consumption.
• Lead the implementation and ongoing development of warehouse barcode scanning and inventory tracking systems.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience in purchasing, inventory management, supply chain management, or a related field preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including analyzing and interpreting large datasets.
• Experience with Power BI, ERP systems, or inventory management software preferred.
• Exceptional attention to detail, supported by strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of inventory management principles, including FIFO, inventory turnover, and material forecasting.
• Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions, manage competing priorities, and take ownership of operational results.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external suppliers.
• Ability to identify operational inefficiencies, develop practical solutions, and successfully implement process improvements.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, and AD&D coverage
• Paid time off
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Health and dental insurance, including HSA and HRA options
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment

Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.