Purchasing Specialist

Exciting opportunity for a Sourcing Specialist in the Purchasing department. Responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing packaging materials required to support manufacturing operations. This position works closely with Procurement, Planning, Production, Quality, R&D, Customer Service, and suppliers to ensure packaging is available on time, at the right quality, and at the best total cost . The position will manage assigned packaging commodities, develop supplier relationships, negotiate pricing, monitor supplier performance, and support new product launches and packaging changes. This is on-site M-F position. The salary target is $75k-$90k plus bonus and includes, health insurance,401k with a match and PTO.

Recruiter: Connie Stathopoulos

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Sourcing & Procurement

• Source packaging materials.
• Develop and maintain qualified packaging suppliers.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations and negotiate pricing, terms, lead times, and payment terms.
• Identify opportunities to reduce packaging cost through competitive sourcing, specification changes, volume leverage, and supplier negotiations.
• Maintain accurate pricing and supplier information within the ERP system.
• Monitor market conditions and identify packaging cost trends and risks.

Supply & Inventory Management

• Ensure packaging materials are available to support the production schedule.
• Work closely with Planning and Production Scheduling to identify upcoming packaging requirements.
• Monitor supplier lead times, minimum order quantities, and inventory levels.
• Identify and resolve potential shortages before they impact production.
• Coordinate expedited orders when necessary while minimizing premium freight costs.
• Help manage obsolete and excess packaging inventory.

Supplier Management

• Establish strong relationships with key packaging suppliers.
• Participate in supplier scorecards and business reviews.

New Product & Packaging Development

• Support R&D and Commercial teams with packaging sourcing for new products.
• Obtain quotes and lead times for new packaging components.
• Coordinate packaging samples and trials with suppliers.
• Support development of packaging specifications, artwork, and revisions.
• Ensure packaging changes are communicated to Planning, Production, Quality, and suppliers.

Cost Savings & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct competitive bidding and supplier comparisons.
• Track and report purchasing savings and cost avoidance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Operations or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 3+ years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, procurement, or supply chain.
• Experience sourcing packaging materials , preferably within food or consumer products manufacturing.
• Strong negotiation and supplier-management skills.
• Experience working with ERP systems; Plex experience is a plus .
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple suppliers, projects, and priorities.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

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