Strategic Sourcing Specialist / Buyer

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist / Buyer is responsible for managing all types of packaging at Stella & Chewy’s throughout procurement and product lifecycles. Primary areas of focus are quality, supplier relationship management, managing new product development projects, ensuring continuity of supply, and optimizing total cost of ownership. This role works closely with suppliers, internal & co-manufacturing operations, supply chain, and product teams to maintain quality and cost-effectiveness while ensuring supply of packaging materials meets demand. Location: Oak Creek, WI; not open to remote work What you will do: Source, evaluate, and select packaging suppliers in coordination with internal stakeholders. Maintain strong vendor relationships and negotiate pricing, lead times, and quality terms as needed. Manage transition deployment (substrate changes, regulatory requirements, supplier changes, artwork updates, etc.) with suppliers and internal teams to ensure continuity of supply while optimizing value and minimizing risk. Partner with Product/Brand teams to develop, implement, and expand the packaging portfolio while managing the product lifecycle. Engage with suppliers, product, and operations teams to develop and manage a cost savings pipeline/funnel/road map. Support Innovation, R&D, and company initiatives by identifying and communicating supplier capabilities. Partner with the planning and operation teams to ensure that the packaging schedule is fulfilled. Collaborate with production planners, warehouse staff, and quality assurance teams to align packaging supply with operational requirements. Ensure compliance with product labeling, sealing, and packaging specifications. Coordinate efforts with the Packaging Engineer to ensure that quality protocols are followed in accordance with the bag specifications. Create annual packaging budget. Manage overall packaging spend while adhering to budget. Execute & manage long-term contracts. Review MRP & PowerBI reports to issue blanket purchase orders. Assist in developing packaging and bag specifications for new products or product updates. Generate regular reports on bag usage, stock levels, and purchasing activity. Communicate any issues with bag quality, availability, or supplier performance to suppliers for corrective action. Set up quality and service scorecards and conduct regular reviews with suppliers. Other duties as assigned What you bring: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, manufacturing, or related discipline (or equivalent work experience) required Minimum 3 years of experience in packaging, inventory management, or procurement in a manufacturing environment Experience with project management preferred Experience working directly with suppliers and managing packaging supplies, especially flexible packaging or bags, is strongly preferred Experience managing artwork proofing, approvals, and purchasing strongly preferred Strong organizational and time management skills Solid understanding of procurement processes and inventory management Ability to read and interpret technical packaging specifications Proficient in Microsoft Excel and ERP/MRP (e.g., D365, SAP, NetSuite, etc.) Strong communication and negotiation skills Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and productivity Experience managing inventory at multiple sites a plus #J-18808-Ljbffr Stella & Chewy's