JOB SUMMARY
The Associate Buyer, Packaging Supply Chain is responsible for placing orders, expediting back orders, and processing purchasing documentation for packaging materials. This role supports procurement activities by ensuring timely delivery of materials, maintaining accurate records, and collaborating with internal stakeholders and suppliers to support operational needs.
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Procurement Execution: Process requisitions for packaging materials, clarify specifications, secure quotations, and document competitive bidding. Create and manage purchase orders as required.
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Supplier Coordination: Negotiate, secure, and follow up on supplier commitments to ensure timely delivery of materials. Maintain strong supplier relationships and monitor vendor performance.
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Order Management & Expediting: Monitor back orders, expedite delivery of critical materials, and coordinate special delivery arrangements. Communicate expected delivery timelines to stakeholders.
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MRP-Based Ordering: Analyze Material Requirements Planning (MRP) outputs and place orders accordingly to ensure appropriate inventory levels.
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Data & Documentation Management: Maintain vendor and part information in the ERP system, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with purchasing standards.
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Invoice & Issue Resolution: Resolve vendor invoice discrepancies and collaborate with Quality Assurance to address supplier quality issues, including product returns as needed.
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Cross-functional Collaboration: Coordinate effectively with internal partners including to support operational needs and ensure continuity of supply.
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Continuous Improvement: Support initiatives aimed at improving purchasing accuracy, documentation quality, supplier reliability, and process discipline.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
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Performs and assumes other duties and responsibilities, as may be required by the Senior Buyer, Packaging Supply Chain.
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Support Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and adhere to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and complete corresponding training.
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Continuously learn the intricacies of the Packaging supply chain and apply those learnings to daily activities.
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Maintain organized documentation and ensure timely updates in all purchasing systems and trackers.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
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Bachelor’s degree preferred (Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field).
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0–2 years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, operations, or a similar role.
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Exposure to manufacturing, chemicals, or regulated materials is a plus.
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Experience with SAP S/4HANA or a similar ERP system preferred.
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APICS CSCP certification is beneficial.
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Proficiency with Microsoft Excel; experience with functions such as VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, filters, and pivot tables is helpful.
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Ability to analyze basic supply and demand patterns.
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Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
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Ability to prepare accurate and complete documentation.
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Strong written communication skills for clear interaction with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
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Effective relationship-building skills with internal and external partners.
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Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
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Ability to work independently on concurrent tasks.
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Self-directed with a bias toward action.
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Ability to learn new systems and technology quickly.
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Discreet with confidential information.
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Willing to accept other duties as necessary.
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Compliance with Company policies.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENT
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Normal office environment and working conditions.
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This position requires the individual to Stand or Walk up to 33% of the time. This position requires the individual to Sit, Talk or Hear, and use hands to Finger, Handle or Feel 66 to 100% of the time. This position requires the individual to reach with hands and arms 33 to 66% of the time.
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This position will require the individual to lift up to 10 pounds 33 to 66% of the time.
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The vision requirements for this position includes close vision of 20 inches or less; distance vision of 20 feet or more, color vision (ability to distinguish between colors), peripheral vision (ability to see up, down, left, right while eyes are fixed on a given point), depth perception (3 dimensional vision), and ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus).
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This position has no exposer to measurable environmental hazards or conditions.
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The noise level for this position will Be Moderate Noise (Ex: Business office equipment, computer printers, production machinery, light traffic).
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Overtime requirements are dependent upon departmental demands, inclusive of weekend hours.