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Packaging Buyer

Hazelwood, Missouri, United States

Job Overview:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Packaging Buyer to join our procurement team. The Packaging Buyer will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing packaging materials and supplies to ensure efficient production and compliance with company standards. This position requires strong analytical skills, market knowledge, and the ability to build relationships with suppliers.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties of this position include but are not limited to:

  • Material requirements planning for day-to-day production, overseeing the lifecycle of packaging materials from entry into the plant through its use into a finished good
  • Coordinate the purchase and delivery of packaging materials and maintain adequate stock levels for both short and long-term plans based on forecasts and sales
  • Work with vendors and effectively escalate any packaging delays or quality concerns
  • Coordinate with management, internal teams (warehouse, procurement, logistics, etc.) and shop floor personnel regarding all issues impacting the supply chain and schedule
  • Source and select packaging materials based on quality, cost, and specifications.
  • Monitor market trends and forecasts to make informed purchasing decisions.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product development, marketing, and logistics to understand packaging requirements.
  • Maintain an updated database of suppliers and manage supplier relationships effectively.
  • Conduct regular evaluations of supplier performance and compliance with quality standards.
  • Assist in inventory management and ensure timely delivery of packaging materials.
  • Prepare reports and analysis on purchasing activities and packaging costs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The following list that follows is representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required:

  • Considerable communication skills, both internally and with external vendors
  • Creative problem-solving and flexibility
  • Understands MRP (material requirements planning)
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and market trends.
  • Familiarity with packaging materials, processes, and technologies.
  • Proficiency in relevant software (e.g., ERP systems, spreadsheet applications).

SKILLS:

  • Excellent interpersonal and teamwork abilities.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy.
  • Problem-solving skills and ability to think strategically.
  • Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field.
  • Proven experience in procurement, preferably in the packaging industry.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability partner with all organizational levels to driving growth and improved systems, while still maintaining the ability to roll up her/his sleeves to ‘act alone’ in a rapidly growing company.
  • Results-oriented - organized and able to move between issues, projects, and ‘drumbeat’ planning activities to ensure business needs are met in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
  • Strong project management skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no direct reports.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, outside weather conditions, and energized equipment. The noise level in the work environment varies depending on tasks.

OTHER DUTIES

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a Full Time Non-Exempt position 40 hour per week, and it may require working additional hours depending on business need requirements.

 

TRAVEL

5-10% travel for this role

 

EEO

We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diversity in all its forms is championed. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we are an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you require special accommodation, please let us know. 

 

Privacy Policy

Mars and its family of brands is committed to transparency and responsibility in how we handle the personal data entrusted to us by our customers and consumers. To learn more about our privacy policy please follow this link.

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