Packaging Inventory Analyst – 13-Months Contract

JOB PURPOSE:

This position is responsible for all aspects of our packaging materials inventory accuracy and supplier quality. Through diligent focus, this position ensures that we have the required packaging materials available as our operations team produces our products.

WHY WORK AT CONESTOGA MEATS?

Conestoga Meats is a leader in the meat industry, known for innovation and a forward-thinking approach. We prioritize our employees, safety, and the use of automation. Our state-of-the-art facility sets us apart from others in the field. As we continue to grow and expand, we look forward to many exciting developments ahead. Join us and be part of a company that values excellence and progress

• Growing company with opportunity to grow with team and department
• Stable full-time hours; no rotating shifts
• Employee referral bonus program (minimum $300 per hire)
• Competitive benefits package for you and your family at 3 months of service
• Pension plan and company matching at 1 year of service
• Floater day given on top of vacation days
• Diverse workforce; translation of communication materials into 8 languages
• Discounts on quality pork products
• Employee assistance program (financial assistance, mental health resources)
• Social Committee events (food trucks, gifts, games)
• BBQ's and wellness programs
• On-site training and company provided equipment
• Employee scholarship program and English courses

KEY JOB FUNCTIONS / ROLES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure accurate packaging materials inventory
• Monitor daily packaging inventory levels and work with the Purchasing team and suppliers to address any shortages, preventing any disruptions to production
• Provide backup coverage for the co-op role, supporting weekly inventory count activities at the distribution center
• Produce weekly Packaging usage cost and inventory value based on counts and distribute
• Coordinate with Inventory Control Coordinators to ensure weekly packaging inventory counts are completed accurately and prepared for Monday reporting
• Conduct regular inspections of the distribution center to identify and evaluate unused boxes, coordinate the removal of obsolete items, and ensure efficient space utilization for incoming stock
• Identify and implement process improvements to eliminate repetitive errors
• Oversee traceability of packaging materials (i.e. identify production times for customer complaints, assist with product hold reporting)

• Investigate any concerns around packaging tares and provide direction to QA, OperationsSales for follow-up, based on results (i.e. customer credits)

• Purchasing and distribution of packaging materials

• Place purchase orders for corrugate requirements and manage changes to POs
• Direct the Shipping team on truck routing for daily cardboard pick-ups and provide stocking plan (by location) for packaging materials stored at our distribution center
• Coordinate adjustments to schedule based on changes to production plan and monitor aged packaging inventory, notifying Sales of pending aged product
• Organize and facilitate bi-weekly packaging change meetings involving Sales and Production to align current project status, address challenges, and prepare for upcoming projects
• Ensure all artworks and specifications are accurately updated, organized, and maintained in a shared file system for cross-functional access
• Coordinate vendor deliveries, eliminate, and/or minimize back orders, and ensure timely receipt of deliveries in CSB
• Develop and distribute weekly corrugate pickup schedules to the Shipping Department to support efficient shipping operations

• Conduct impact analysis for new box introductions, including SKU and financial implications, and communicate findings to cross-functional teams to support informed decision-making

• VendorSupplier Quality Management

• Resolve supplier invoice discrepancies – including follow-up with Purchasing team, Shippingsupplier, as required
• Key point of contact with suppliers for all packaging materials, including quality issues, pricing, etc.
• Coordinate trials for new packaging materials and act as key point of contact for all internal communications around changes
• Monitor supplier quality and support quarterly vendor review meetings to evaluate vendor performance and drive continuous improvement
• Source alternative packaging suppliers to meet internalexternal customer needs
• Negotiate with current and potential suppliers for best pricing/quality/customer serviceperformance
• Manage all vendor inventory for packaging materials (i.e. Cryovac, labels, cardboard, etc.).
• Provide direction to supplier for replenishment of inventory, based on current usage and plan inventory builds for holiday volume with suppliers
• Coordinate required adjustments to inventory levels with suppliers
• Log and lead vendor issue resolutions within a short but reasonable time frame. (Segregation, claims, disposals, and corrective actions for/of materials that don't meet Conestoga Meats standards)
• Evaluate vendor pricing updates, monitor and analyze financial impact, and communicate recommendations to management

• Participate in RFQ/RFP as required

• Other Tasks

• Cover vacation schedules
• Lead purchasing projects as assigned
• Support other team members to ensure the group provides exceptional service to our internal customers

• Follow the Conestoga WAY in the way you work with others

• Personal Development

• Attend company required training
• Remain current with technical knowledge in areas of responsibility
• Attend regular 1:1 coaching/update sessions
• Develop a strong understanding of our production process and systems to ensure the most efficient tracking of our products
• Develop a strong relationship with Shipping, Operations, Sales, Quality and Finance functions

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-secondary education preferred
• Previous distribution/warehouse experience is considered an asset
• Intermediate knowledge of computer system (MS Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Strong ability to prioritize workload and work independently
• Attention to detail
• Proactive problem solver with a focus on continuous improvement
• Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and desire to work in a team-oriented environment

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to travel to support both our Cambridge and Breslau locations. Vendor visits are also a possibility as and when needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position requires being on the production floor with full PPE

KEY COMPETENCIES

Accountability and Initiative

• Takes ownership of your work and meet all commitments
• Takes initiative and demonstrates a "do whatever it takes" work ethic to get the work done

Service Excellence

• Displays personal ownership and a sense of urgency over any issues or complaints that arise from customer experience, both internal and external.
• Holding suppliers accountable with quick resolution and or disposal of QA issues.

Communicating with Clarity

• Verifies the meaning of messages sent by others and confirms any next steps required
• Communicates in a manner that is straightforward and easy to understand
• Answers questions in a professional manner

Leading Change

• Creates improvement plans to move their department forward and align with company goals
• Demonstrates and promotes critical thinking among employees

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Inventory accuracy
• No disruptions to production, due to packaging shortages

Reason for vacancy: existing position

AI disclosure: At this time, we do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our hiring process.

Conestoga Meats welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those invited to participate in our recruitment process will be contacted.