Packaging Specialist

Overall Responsibility:The Packaging Specialist owns all packaging purchasing, demand coverage, and supplier management to support uninterrupted production and new product launches. This role translates demand into purchasing plans, secures timely supply, and manages inventory, cost, quality, and supplier performance in partnership with Planning, Production, Quality, R&D, and Logistics.

Packaging Purchasing and Demand Coverage

• Own purchasing for all packaging materials, including containers, closures, labels, films, cartons, and shipping supplies.
• Translate forecasts, production schedules, and launch plans into time-phased packaging requirements using ERP/MRP.
• Monitor inventory, open orders, and supplier commitments to maintain full demand coverage.
• Create and manage purchase orders; confirm quantities, pricing, specifications, and delivery dates through receipt.
• Maintain lead times, minimum order quantities, safety stock, and reorder parameters to balance service and inventory.
• Resolve shortages, expedite deliveries, and communicate recovery plans to protect production.
• Manage inventory aging, excess stock, and packaging transitions to reduce waste, obsolescence, and working capital.

Supplier Management and Cost Control

• Own packaging supplier relationships, daily execution, commitments, and escalations.
• Source and evaluate suppliers with Quality and R&D; coordinate samples, trials, qualification, and onboarding.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms within company approval requirements.
• Track supplier delivery, quality, responsiveness, and cost performance; lead reviews and corrective action follow-up.
• Assess capacity and supply risks; develop approved alternate sources and contingency plans for critical materials.
• Maintain supplier records, agreements, and pricing; resolve order discrepancies and deliver measurable cost savings.

Packaging Coordination and Communication

• Coordinate specifications, artwork revisions, testing, and approvals with R&D, Quality, and Production before ordering.
• Align packaging availability with launch dates and production changes; control revision cutovers and inventory runout.
• Report coverage risks, supplier issues, and purchasing priorities; coordinate receipts and quality issue resolution.

Skills Required:

• 5+ years of experience in packaging procurement including buying, demand coverage, and supplier management.
• Knowledge of packaging materials, specifications, print and artwork controls, and manufacturing requirements.
• Strong demand and inventory planning skills, including MRP, safety stock, lead times, and shortage resolution.
• Proven ability to negotiate commercial terms, manage suppliers, and improve cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Hands-on ERP/MRP experience managing purchase orders, item data, supplier records, and inventory reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for analysis, reporting, and planning; working knowledge of Word and Outlook.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Clear communication and collaboration skills; able to escalate risks, challenge commitments, and drive follow-through.
• Ability to manage competing priorities independently and support packaging changes and new product launches.