Packaging Buyer
On-siteSan Antonio, Texas, United States or Cranston, Rhode Island, United States
Job Summary
Develop comprehensive category strategy for coffee and juice packaging materials, including spend analytics and supply partner identification. Monitor market trends and pricing drivers to manage risks and ensure competitive cost advantages. Negotiate contract types and terms with suppliers while verifying pricing, quantities, and delivery against food-grade specifications. Issue purchase orders, resolve supplier issues, and maintain strong relationships to achieve supplier KPIs. Collaborate with R&D, supply chain, and quality teams on new product sourcing and sustainability goals. Support audits and regulatory inspections by providing necessary procurement documentation. Work cross-functionally to optimize inventory levels and prevent shortages or overstock.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain, agricultural economics, finance, or business administration
- Strong negotiation skills
- Minimum 5 years of experience managing packaging material purchases on a multi-unit global scale in the Food and Beverage sector of the CPG industry
- Understanding and use of commodity market data and trends to make informed purchasing decisions and cost-saving initiatives
- Understanding of total cost of ownership principles, price transparency, and continuous improvement strategies to ensure competitive market-based pricing
- Strong analytical skills, including cost benchmarking and developing data-driven recommendations
- Experience with ERP systems
- Willingness to work additional hours, and tailor schedule appropriately, to support team goals and meet deadlines
- Must possess adequate vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills to meet essential job performance and safety standards
- Physically capable of performing tasks such as lifting, climbing, and using hand and power tools, including pallet jacks, scales, ladders, and standard material handling and cleaning equipment
- Capable of safely lifting up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the day
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and regularly perform physical tasks such as pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, and using hands for detailed tasks
- Must be able to work in a dynamic manufacturing environment that may include exposure to odors, dust, moderate noise levels, and fluctuations in temperature and ventilation
- Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times, which may include but is not limited to: safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, hairnets, uniforms, and face shields, as required by specific job duties and safety protocols
- Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements
- Ensure the presence of visitors, contractors, and customers are documented on each visit in and out of the facility to maintain good manufacturing practices, allergen controls, food defense/food security and HACCP controls
- Report all food safety and quality issues to management immediately
- Partner with colleagues across all functions to share knowledge, skills, and information regarding quality and food safety
- Adhere to all health and safety work practices
- Exhibit an understanding of quality and food safety standards and be able to speak about the Finlays quality and food safety system and your role in it
- Handle customer complaints in a timely and professional manner so that the customer is put first, always
- Participate fully in Finlays programs that drive continuous improvement methodologies
Desired Qualifications
- D365
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