POSITION OPENING:	Packaging Buyer - Exempt
	REPORTS TO:	Purchasing Manager

PURPOSE:

•Responsible for procuring goods and services supporting day-to-day operations within established guidelines and policies, and at the lowest, logical landed total cost. •Serve as a key contact between suppliers and internal customers on all matters relating to placement and fulfillment of contractual commitments. •Keep abreast of market conditions; provide recommendations to Management on economic impact on cost structure for items within responsibility. •Has primary responsibility for management and execution of contracts for items within assigned area. •Lead cost reduction initiatives within assigned area, coordinating efforts with other functional groups of the company as appropriate. •Function as key contact for all procurement matters within assigned functional area of responsibility. •Detailed-oriented and provide practical solutions to complex issues.

	JOB DUTIES:
		Request and evaluate bids/proposals for assigned commodities Negotiate blanket contracts/agreements leveraging volume discounts where practical. Promote professional “partnership” with key suppliers. Execute strategic plans to meet goals, including material price reductions, supplier consolidation, supplier and material certification, on time delivery, quality, customer service and inventory turns. Administer the development and implementation of an aggressive inventory right sizing program limiting exposure to excess inventory costs and obsolescence. Lead cross functional teams to coordinate the activities of inventory control, scheduling, expediting to ensure best techniques, systems and procedures are being used with regular meetings. Manage disposition of obsolete materials within your assigned materials. Release materials to plants via MRP or other internal supply/demand systems and processes. Administer purchase orders/contracts to ensure purchased goods comply with specification requirements and are delivered within required timeframes. Identify/qualify new suppliers. Provide procurement  support for new product launches Identify/implement cost reduction measures. Serve as purchasing representative on cross-functional teams. Provide expertise in systems for training new employees. Prepare management reports as required utilizing system or other available formats. Provide low cost on-time delivery of required goods and services. Proactive to be a valuable resource by cross-functional areas. Positively contribute to overall goals and objectives. Cost Reduction results against objectives. Effectiveness in executing day to day job activities. Work on special projects or other duties as required.
	REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
		BS degree in Business Management, Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Operations or equivalent related work experience. 5-8+ years buying experience buying packaging (flexible film, corrugated, folding cartons, other). Good technical knowledge of packaging materials, vendor capabilities and equipment. Working knowledge of Uniform Commercial Code. Excellent written and verbal interpersonal skills. Effective negotiator. Strong problem solving skills and process development experience. Self starter with high initiative and strong multi tasking skills. Ability to travel up to 25%. Ability to quickly summarize and communicate key issues, verbally and written. Ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Advanced knowledge of MS Office (proficient in Excel, developing and maintaining spreadsheets).

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER MINORITIES/FEMALES/DISABLED/VETERANS            Created: 8/3/2009