PACKAGING PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST
: Job Details :

Purpose of the Work

The Packaging Procurement Specialist will be responsible for driving CandyCo's sustainable packaging initiatives and supporting the Supply Chain through effective procurement strategies. This role focuses on managing packaging projects from concept to implementation, improving cost efficiency, ensuring quality, and fostering innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategies for Total Cost of Ownership, and improve availability, quality, service and innovation
• Seek, support, and implement raw material cost reduction opportunities
• Develop Requests for Proposals (RFP) and Requests for Quotes (RFQ), assess results, document recommendations and communicate results to vendors and internally
• Create fact-based negotiation strategies, lead and bring to completion negotiations with suppliers to achieve the company's tactical and strategic business goals and targets able to change and shape negotiation outcomes counter to any current or upcoming disadvantageous market dynamics
• Collaborate closely with key stakeholders on supplier selection and service level benchmarks to gain proper alignment on category direction and ensure success; able to influence senior leadership both within and outside organization to align and achieve strategic objectives
• Oversee implementation activities, assess and mitigate potential risks, evaluate project successes and failures and drive process changes to improve future projects
• Manage vendor relationships, track performance and communicate and implement vendor performance feedback
• Maintain new leads to analyze trends and monitor and address any variances on delivered pricing
• Research, track and communicate industry trends, best practices; anticipate future market and industry movements and proactively adapt category strategies
• Seek, support and implement internal and external process improvement opportunities
• Handling the process of packaging material sourcing from the stage of conceptualization to implementation
• Develop & implement SOP for packaging development
• Continue the cost monitoring mechanism to trace and track the price of commodities which directly or indirectly affect the cost of packaging
• Overview and monitor vendor performance, OTIF, fill rate in coordination with the supply chain team

Competencies

• Lead Strategic Sourcing Initiatives: Drive cost savings and enhance supplier performance through strategic sourcing efforts
• Utilize Advanced Analytics: Employ analytics tools for spend analysis, cost-saving identification, and procurement reporting
• Manage Supplier Risk Assessment: Develop and oversee supplier risk assessment processes to mitigate potential disruptions. CAPA/RCA for items
• Exceptional Negotiation Skills: Demonstrate strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and agreements with suppliers
• Project Management: Manage end-to-end procurement projects, coordinating cross-functional teams and ensuring alignment with project goals
• Project Planning: Create comprehensive project plans outlining timelines, resource allocation, and risk management strategies
• Sourcing Plans: Implement strategic sourcing strategies to optimize supplier performance and achieve operational efficiency
• Supplier Relationship Management: Cultivate strong partnerships with key suppliers, focusing on continuous improvement and mutual success
• Standardization: Establish procedures and best practices to streamline operations and enhance effectiveness
• Supplier Accountability: Establish and maintain metrics and reporting systems to monitor supplier performance effectively
• Expand Supplier Base: Identify and develop relationships with new suppliers to diversify and strengthen the supply chain
• Cross-functional Liaison: Act as a liaison between internal departments and suppliers to facilitate effective communication and collaboration
• Training and Support: Lead training sessions and support procurement staff in adopting new processes and technologies
• Safety and Compliance: Uphold company safety, compliance standards, and core values, promoting a safe work environment
• Company Morale: Foster a positive work environment and contribute to maintaining high morale among team members
• Additional Responsibilities: Perform other tasks or duties as assigned by the manager

Soft Skills

• Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Initiative: Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

Experience

• Excellent negotiation skills with a track record of achieving cost savings and quality improvements.
• Excellent communication skills and respect for others
• Proficiency in managing vendor relationships and evaluating performance metrics.
• At least 3 years of experience of flexible packaging required
• At least 2 years of Supply Chain experience required

Physical Requirements

• A non-slip work shoe
• Pre-shift stretches and exercises to be performed.
• Hair clip, beard net (if needed), and safety gloves as needed.
• All required PPE is worn correctly when working with equipment or chemicals that require personal protection.
• The position requires the ability to: stand, sit at a desk, walk around the facility, lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted, reach, kneel, crawl, and turn.
• It also requires the ability to: see, hear, and communicate with associates, as well as others, using professional etiquette.