POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting directly to the Director of Procurement is responsible for the strategic sourcing and procurement of all materials and services required at South Mill. This includes developing and implementing procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring cost-effective purchasing practices. The Packaging Category Buyer will lead Packaging, PPE, and Supplies categories at South Mill and work closely with other departments to ensure timely delivery of materials and services while maintaining high standards of quality. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supply chain management, excellent negotiation skills, and a proven track record in driving cost savings initiatives. This role requires a strategic thinker who can analyze market trends, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement effective procurement processes. The ideal candidate will also be responsible for monitoring supplier performance, resolving any issues that may arise, and ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures. Additionally, this position involves managing financial budgets related to procurement activities. This role has the potential to be transitioned to Sourcing Manager within 1-2 years of successful employment.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration or a related field is required.
• Master’s degree is highly desirable.
• Minimum 4-6 years’ experience in procurement or supply chain management within a multi-plant manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in developing & implementing strategic sourcing & procurement strategies.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to drive cost savings initiatives.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to analyze market trends & identify opportunities for improvement.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (Sage X3 desired) & other relevant software applications.
• Strong leadership skills with participation in cross-functional projects.
• Excellent communication & interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Regular travel within SMC operations is required.

• Identify the procurement needs of the Packaging, PPE, and Supplies Categories.
• Support development and execution of comprehensive procurement strategies aligned with the company’s business objectives.
• Develop and implement RFQ and competitive bidding processes.
• Manage category spending, strategies, and payment processes, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Optimize procure-to-pay processes at South Mill.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• Forecast demand and manage inventory levels to optimize working capital.
• Collaborate with internal departments to integrate procurement in day-to-day business and ensure internal customer satisfaction.
• Develop and implement supply chain risk management strategies to ensure supply chain continuity.
• Lead/participate in cross-functional cost savings initiatives.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to other buyers as needed.
• Analyze inventory to identify areas of opportunity to optimize stocking levels of material within the facilities.
• Analyze consumption (short term and long term) to identify demand shifts and react appropriately.
• Implement improvements to capitalize on identified opportunities or changes.
• Create and release purchase orders to secure materials, understanding capacities and communicating with supply base to support on-time delivery of material.
• Monitor the status of incoming materials and communicate potential issues to management.
• Manage supplier accounts to include:
• Investigate and resolve supplier-related quality issues.
• Ensure all regulatory requirements of the supply base are met. Requesting and archiving appropriate supplier documentation.
• Identify and capture cost savings through negotiation, improving quality or implementing process improvements.
• Assist in monitoring and reporting supplier performance. Capturing appropriate data to provide regular feedback to suppliers.
• Lead implementation of inventory control best practices and timely counts.
• Support day-to-day purchasing activities and aim for achieving 100% internal customer satisfaction.
• Coordinate and support the implementation of best Sage X3 and other systems across the business.
• Provide support and escalate issues to the Director of Procurement.
• Perform other duties and participate in projects as needed.