Packaging Procurement Manager
About the role
At Kinder’s, we’re passionate about flavor and committed to making food unforgettable. With over 100 products sold nationwide, we’re a top-five brand in multiple flavor categories. We’re a privately held, founder-led company that values adventure, innovation, and doing the right thing.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute a comprehensive sourcing strategy for packaging materials aligned with Kinder’s business objectives.
Identify and evaluate new suppliers, building a robust network of partners that can scale with Kinder’s growth.
Stay current on market trends, materials innovation, and best practices to inform sourcing decisions.
Build and maintain strong supplier relationships with clear communication and mutual accountability.
Negotiate contracts and terms with a focus on cost efficiency, quality, reliability, and delivery performance.
Conduct regular supplier performance evaluations and manage issue resolution when needed.
Oversee end-to-end supply chain activities for packaging—from forecasting and demand planning to inventory and logistics coordination.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Product, and Finance to align on material needs and timing.
Seek opportunities to streamline processes and reduce supply chain risk.
Establish packaging specifications, in conjunction with Packaging Engineering to ensure materials meet Kinder’s standards and relevant food industry regulations.
Lead quality control initiatives to verify the consistency and integrity of packaging components.
Monitor for regulatory changes and ensure ongoing compliance across all packaging sources.
Analyze packaging cost structures and develop strategies to reduce spend without compromising quality.
Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier negotiations to drive cost savings.
Identify and implement process improvements that contribute to overall supply chain efficiency.
Support Kinder’s sustainability goals by identifying and sourcing eco-friendly packaging materials.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement recycling and waste reduction initiatives.
Track progress on sustainability KPIs and recommend innovations aligned with Kinder’s environmental commitments.
Requirements
Proven expertise in packaging sourcing, inventory planning and supply chain operations, especially within the food or consumer goods industry.
Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution to manage both the big picture and the day-to-day.
Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and external partners.
Commitment to Kinder’s values of ownership, agility, collaboration, and doing the right thing, especially when working with supplier partners and internal stakeholders.
Skills and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s preferred.
5–7+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, with a focus on packaging.
Deep knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing technologies, and sustainability trends.
Strong negotiation skills and experience managing vendor relationships.
Familiarity with quality control systems and food industry regulatory requirements.
Proficient in supply chain planning tools and ERP systems.
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
Qualifications
Personal characteristics: results-driven, integrity-focused, adaptable, collaborative, sustainability-minded, and willing to take smart risks.
Benefits
Paid time off
401(k)
Bonus/incentive eligibility
Equity grants
Competitive health benefits
Family-friendly benefits, including parental leave
Pay
The expected starting salary range for this role is $125,000- $145,000 per year. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. The amount a particular employee will earn within the salary range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, performance and business needs.
Schedule
Seasoned for success, every day brings new challenges and opportunities. We embrace ambiguity and make decisions quickly, always aiming for excellence.