Purchasing Manager - Packaging Industry

Job Description

Job Description

A growing manufacturer in the packaging industry , producing food-grade PET trays and packaging, is hiring a Purchasing Manager to lead procurement, logistics and inventory for its extrusion and thermoforming operations.

Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM
Salary: $60,000/year

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree (minimum)
• Computer skills: MS Office (Word, Excel) and SAP
• Experience training and developing staff
• Experience in the packaging industry or manufacturing purchasing preferred

Basic operations

• Place timely purchase orders for PET resin, additives and production consumables, based on approved production plans and inventory levels
• Organize and monitor transport of incoming raw materials and outgoing finished PET packaging so deliveries arrive on time and undamaged
• Track stock of raw materials, semi-finished goods (rolls) and finished trays daily, and prepare inventory status reports for production and management

Duties and responsibilities

• Manage procurement of the raw materials used in PET packaging production, such as PET resin, additives and masterbatches
• Develop a network of suppliers specializing in food-grade and recycled PET
• Keep extrusion and thermoforming consumables (filters, blades, heating elements) supplied on time
• Coordinate logistics for inbound raw materials and outbound finished PET packaging
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers of packaging materials, pads, release agents and secondary processing materials
• Oversee imports of PET resin and specialized production materials from international suppliers
• Monitor global PET resin markets to anticipate price changes and adjust purchasing strategy
• Implement procurement strategies that optimize material quality, cost and delivery times
• Plan warehouse operations for raw materials, semi-finished rolls and finished trays
• Maintain strict FIFO (first in, first out) practices, especially for time-sensitive materials
• Work with production to forecast material needs from production planning and seasonal demand spikes
• Manage logistics providers for local and international shipments
• Keep logistics and purchasing compliant with food safety standards (e.g., SQF, FDA)
• Monitor and optimize transport routes for cost, speed and product safety (preventing deformation or contamination)
• Keep accurate inventory records for raw, semi-finished and finished products
• Run supplier evaluation programs focused on food-grade compliance and material certification
• Organize regular audits of supplier quality, sustainability and traceability
• Coordinate return logistics for recyclable PET scrap from customers or distributors
• Develop contingency plans for supply chain disruptions affecting PET availability or shipping
• Lead initiatives to source more sustainable or recycled PET, in line with corporate sustainability goals
• Set transport protocols for sensitive products to prevent warping, yellowing or contamination
• Oversee correct customs classification (HS codes) for PET raw materials and semi-finished products
• Manage relationships with pallet, carton and packaging material suppliers for finished-product distribution
• Analyze freight costs and negotiate annual contracts with logistics partners
• Work with finance so purchasing and logistics stay within budget and support cash flow
• Implement and manage manufacturing and supply chain ERP systems (e.g., SAP)
• Report regularly on material consumption, purchasing savings, inventory turnover and logistics KPIs
• Monitor compliance with PET recycling regulations in target export markets
• Optimize stock levels to minimize working capital without risking production interruptions
• Supervise packaging and labeling standards for outbound products according to customer requirements
• Organize just-in-time deliveries to match tight production schedules and reduce storage needs
• Train and manage the purchasing and logistics team, including buyers, warehouse supervisors and logistics coordinators
• Keep up to date on shipping documents (bills of lading, certificates of analysis, packing lists) for PET products
• Put corrective action plans in place when suppliers fall short (e.g., material deviations, late deliveries)
• Communicate closely with major customers' procurement and logistics teams to anticipate and meet their expectations
• Take an active part in cost-reduction and efficiency projects across the manufacturing supply chain

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work in this position. Other duties may be assigned, and responsibilities may change as the company's needs evolve.