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Sr. Buyer, Packaging
Chicago, United States
World’s Finest Chocolate does more than make delicious chocolate. Since 1949, we’ve helped our fundraising customers raise over $4,600,000,000! These funds are used to buy playgrounds, pay for reading specialists, purchase musical instruments, fund field trips, and more. Our employees work as a team to support our company’s mission: To Deliver Extraordinary Value with Fun & Purpose.
POSITION OVERVIEW: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Sr. Buyer, Packaging to join our Supply Chain team. This individual will lead sourcing and procurement initiatives for food and confectionery packaging materials, including paperboard and flexible packaging. The ideal candidate brings 5–10 years of experience in consumer products packaging procurement, a strong understanding of packaging specifications, and a proven ability to manage cross-functional collaboration, supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and drive project execution with excellence and integrity.
- This role is hybrid in Chicago, IL reporting to the Purchasing Director
- Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30AM – 5:00PM
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies for packaging materials (emphasis on paperboard/flexible packaging) and track key performance metrics (KPIs, PPV/IPV)
- Lead supplier identification, qualification, negotiation and performance management, ensuring alignment with company standards and customer expectations
- Execute contracts and agreements for favorable terms, savings, and supply assurance
- Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Marketing, Operations, and Quality to support packaging innovation, cost optimization, and sustainability initiatives
- Manage packaging specifications and changes, ensuring documentation accuracy and timely implementation across internal systems and supplier networks
- Lead and support multiple packaging projects simultaneously supporting growth projects, cost savings, and efficiency improvement
- Monitor market trends and supply risks, and develop contingency plans as needed
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, food safety, and ethical sourcing standards
- Serve as a communication bridge between internal stakeholders and external partners
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Packaging Engineering, Economics, Pre-Law, or related field or equivalent experience
- 5–10 years experience in packaging procurement (preference in food/confectionery)
- 3+ years in strategic sourcing (CPG, food, or related industries preferred)
- Experience in procurement practices, vendor relations, and contract law
- Knowledge of paperboard/flexible packaging, supply markets, and technical performance attributes
- Experience in contract negotiation, supplier development, and cost reduction initiative
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to influence and collaborate
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards)
- Experience with packaging sustainability programs and material innovations
- Understanding of food safety and quality compliance (e.g., FDA, GFSI, SQF)
- Base Salary: $110,000–$120,000 per year
- Annual Bonus: 10% of base salary, based on company and/or individual performance
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Wellness Program
- 401k Matching
- HSA/FSA
- LifeLock Identity Theft Protection
- STD/LTD
- Life Insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
World’s Finest Chocolate is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to providing an environment of respect and inclusivity for all employees.
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