Packaging Procurement Specialist

Ensure sufficient packaging materials (bags, pouches, rollstock) are ordered and available when needed.

Job Description

We are seeking a full-time Packaging Procurement Manager to join our team. The Packaging Procurement Manager will be responsible for managing the sourcing, sizing, purchasing, and delivery of packaging materials used in our production process (with an emphasis on flexible packaging), ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement.

Your Responsibilities

Specifically, you will do…

• Material Planning and Inventory Coordination
  • Goal : Ensure sufficient materials are available as needed, without significant overstocking.
  • Action : Use sales projections and historical SKU mix to model out material needs by SKU. Translate production targets into material requirements (e.g., X bags of Y chip = Z pouches, etc.). Build in ordering buffer based on lead times of different vendors. Maintain a live model that adjusts as forecasts change and communicate needs to vendors proactively.
• Vendor Management and Onboarding:
  • Goal : Secure reliable and efficient suppliers for all necessary materials.
  • Action : Vet, negotiate, and onboard new suppliers of packaging materials. Maintain strong, positive relationships with both new and existing suppliers, ensuring that all communication is clear, friendly, and productive. Maintain redundancy in our suppliers in case one should have issues.
• Material Ordering and Timely Deliveries:
  • Goal : Ensure material orders are received with sufficient time to prevent delays in production.
  • Action : Place orders based on production needs and ensure materials are received by the required deadlines. Monitor and manage lead times, and follow up frequently to ensure timely delivery. Handle any delays or issues with suppliers promptly and professionally.
• Cost Management:
  • Goal : Get the best value for materials purchased.
  • Action : Negotiate pricing and purchase terms with suppliers where applicable. Regularly review supplier contracts and seek opportunities to reduce costs without compromising quality.
• Inventory Management:
  • Goal : Keep production well-stocked without excess inventory.
  • Action : Act as a backup to the production team, ensuring that materials are replenished in a timely manner to prevent shortages. Coordinate with the warehouse team to ensure proper material tracking and storage.
• Quality Control and Problem Resolution:
  • Goal : Ensure received materials meet our quality standards, and resolve issues quickly if they don't.
  • Action : Inspect materials upon delivery to ensure they meet the required specifications. Address any quality issues directly with the suppliers to resolve them efficiently.
• Delivery Coordination:
  • Goal : Ensure smooth and efficient inbound shipments.
  • Action : Work with logistics partners to organize freight and coordinate deliveries. Ensure clear communication between suppliers and freight carriers to guarantee timely and accurate shipments.
• Record Keeping:
  • Goal : Maintain accurate records for all procurement activities.
  • Action : Log all purchase orders, deliveries, and invoices. Work with the accounting team to ensure accurate and timely payment of invoices.
• Packaging Spec and Artwork Maintenance
  • Goal : Keep all our specs and artwork organized
  • Action : Maintain database of artwork and proofs, keep them up to date, communicate artwork files to vendors, maintain records of ordered bags in conformance with the designs. Maintain updated list of sizing and material requirements for all flexible packaging.
• Designer and Brand Coordination
  • Goal : Ensure artwork is updated as needed
  • Action : Coordinate with brand/product teams to determine artwork updates, communicate updates to designers, get approvals and feedback. Approve proofs, make sure colors are correct, etc.

Materials under your control:

• Main focus:
  • Primary packaging materials (pouches, bags, etc.)
• Secondary focus:
  • Shipping materials (boxes, etc.)

Future Growth

• Opportunity to manage a growing procurement team as the company expands.
• Potential to take on greater responsibility in finance and accounts payable.

Qualifications and Requirements

• 4+ years of experience in procurement/vendor management/purchasing of flexible packaging for a CPG manufacturing company , or account management/back office/operations for packaging supplier company .
  • Regardless, experience with graphic-designed packaging (pouches, bags, printed boxes) is a must.
• Ability to reliably commute to our factory in Hackettstown, NJ (4 days in office minimum)
• Strong analytical and modeling skills. Can take mathematical assumptions and produce compelling projections based on them. Requires decent proficiency in excel and arithmetic
• Familiarity or better with graphic design tools and knowledge is a requirement: Pantone, Adobe Illustrator, etc.
• Strong communication skills: both verbal and written.
• Excellent organizational skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Tech-savvy with experience in:
  • Google Drive
  • Excel/Google Sheets
  • MRP/ERP software
• A personal passion for health, wellness, fitness, or food is a plus.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary
• Performance bonus
• Health insurance
• PTO and holidays
• A health and wellness-focused culture
• All the chips you can eat!