Buyer, Direct Materials

About the role

Under the general guidance of the Sr. Strategic Sourcing Buyer or Sr. Manager, Direct Materials Procurement, the Strategic Packaging Buyer supports the sourcing strategy, category management, and supplier relationship activities for assigned packaging categories. The Buyer serves as a subject matter expert for designated packaging materials and helps identify, evaluate, and develop new sources of supply that improve cost, quality, service, innovation, sustainability, and supply continuity. The role involves developing and executing sourcing strategies, conducting supplier negotiations, managing contracts, driving cost‑reduction initiatives, and staying informed about packaging industry trends, raw material markets, supplier capabilities, and emerging opportunities. The Buyer works closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to uncover value‑engineering opportunities, manage supply risks, and support business growth objectives. Responsibilities include analyzing category spend, supplier performance, market conditions, and key business metrics to deliver data‑driven recommendations, building and maintaining positive relationships with internal customers, suppliers, and cross‑functional partners (Operations, Planning, Quality, Manufacturing, R&D, Marketing, Logistics), monitoring supplier performance, resolving supply and service issues, supporting inventory and continuity of supply, coordinating product transitions, managing supplier communications, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies and contractual commitments. The Buyer is expected to drive continuous improvement, support packaging innovation and sustainability initiatives, identify cost‑savings and value‑creation opportunities, and contribute to the company’s financial, operational, and supply chain objectives while handling day‑to‑day transactions for the assigned categories.

Responsibilities

• Process a high volume of requisitions from multiple sites under assigned categories
• Handle PO confirmations, coordinate deliveries, and manage past due POs
• Prepare and coordinate agreements for assigned commodities and/or services
• Utilize the company ERP system to run complex reports and perform analytics
• Release orders timely while adhering to established company guidelines
• Independently negotiate contracts, price, and supplier agreements
• Evaluate, qualify, and select suppliers based on quality, service, cost, and capability