Purchaser

Job Summary:

The Buyer will be responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing the materials required for our packaging production, including paper, cardboard, inks, and other essential supplies. This role involves liaising with suppliers, negotiating prices, managing inventory levels, and ensuring the timely delivery of materials to meet production needs while maintaining quality standards and cost-efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Material Sourcing & Procurement: Research, source, and purchase raw materials and packaging supplies (e.g., paper, inks, etc.) from reliable suppliers. Maintain relationships with key suppliers and ensure consistent supply of quality materials at competitive prices.
• Supplier Management: Evaluate and select suppliers based on cost, quality, and delivery performance. Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure reliable, timely deliveries. Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and contracts to achieve the best value for the company.
• Inventory Management: Monitor stock levels and coordinate the timely replenishment of materials to ensure that production schedules are not disrupted. Work closely with the production team to forecast material needs and maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Order Placement: Place orders for materials based on production requirements, lead times, and inventory levels. Ensure orders are processed accurately, and delivery schedules are met.
• Cost Control & Budgeting: Track procurement costs, ensuring purchases are made within budget. Review and analyze price trends, and explore cost-saving opportunities without compromising on quality.
• Quality Assurance: Work with suppliers to ensure that materials meet the company's specifications and quality standards. Handle any discrepancies with materials, such as defects or delivery issues, and work with suppliers to resolve them promptly.
• Production Coordination: Collaborate with the production team to understand material requirements for upcoming print jobs, and ensure the timely delivery of materials to meet production timelines.
• Reporting & Documentation: Maintain accurate records of procurement activities, including orders, contracts, supplier information, and inventory levels. Generate reports on procurement costs, material usage, and supplier performance.
• Market Research: Stay informed on trends and innovations in the packaging and printing industry, including new materials, technologies, and sustainability initiatives, and make recommendations for integrating these into the procurement process.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure that all materials sourced meet industry regulations, including food safety standards for packaging, as well as any environmental compliance requirements related to the materials being sourced.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience: 2+ years of experience in a procurement or purchasing role, preferably in the packaging, printing, or manufacturing industries. Experience sourcing materials like paper, inks, and packaging components is highly beneficial.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiate pricing, and manage contract terms.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate supplier proposals, assess material costs, and analyze procurement data to make informed decisions.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple orders and suppliers while maintaining accurate records and ensuring timely deliveries.
• Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation skills to secure the best possible prices and terms while maintaining quality and reliability.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with suppliers, internal teams, and other stakeholders.
• ERP & Procurement Systems: Proficiency in using ERP systems to manage orders, inventory, and procurement data. Familiarity with procurement software is a plus.
• Attention to Detail: High level of attention to detail to ensure material specifications are met and quality standards are adhered to.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of the food packaging industry, including material specifications and regulations (e.g., food safety standards for packaging).
• Sustainability Awareness: Understanding of sustainability practices in packaging, such as sourcing eco-friendly or recyclable materials.
• Project Management Skills: Ability to manage multiple sourcing projects and collaborate with different departments to ensure timely material delivery for production.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a desk or in meetings.
• Occasional light lifting may be required when handling material samples or inventory stock.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person