Specific Accountabilities
- Select and evaluate suppliers
- Analyze quotations
- Obtain materials at lowest possible cost with considerations of quality, reliability and urgency of need. Seek out new/alternative suppliers to meet needs
- Negotiate with suppliers to obtain best agreement possible with regard to delivery, quality, price and terms
- Monitor inventory levels and determine inventory replenishment needs in order to avoid out-of-stocks and maximize inventory turns
- Formulate and run demand calculations
- Determine minimum reorder quantities
- Analyze profit performance of key sku’s using company analytics to identify opportunities for profit improvement
- Enter purchase orders into the ERP system, ensure receipt of purchase order acknowledgements/confirmations and verify costs
- Closely monitor “expected dates” to avoid product shortages and work with vendors to meet product delivery requirements
- Run open purchase order report daily and reconcile as necessary
- Communicate daily with Customer Care Reps, Operations and Sales to keep all apprised of status of purchase orders
- Work with key vendors to develop fast accurate quoting for Tier 1 customers- Goal is 1-day quoting
- Set-up new items/products in system
- Work with Customer Service and Sales to ensure custom order product specifications are complete and correct seeking multiple product quotes
- Develop and maintain necessary records and files for efficient operation
- Propose improvements to the purchasing function
- Document all changes to purchasing procedures
- Assure purchasing procedure compliance
- Establish/maintain positive working relationships with vendors
- Maintain history of price increases by vendor
- Notify CSR’s and sales personnel of price increases and effected sku’s
- Work with key vendors to establish creative programs for joint growth and possible rebate programs
- Support the efforts and goals of the Purchasing Manager.
Education/ Experience/ Knowledge/Skills Required
- College degree or equivalent work experience
- Packaging experience preferred
- 3 to 5 years’ experience in purchasing
- Strong Communication and Organizational skills, able to influence and lead
- Project Management skills
- Packaging industry knowledge
- Negotiation Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft environment and able to adapt to new software programs
- Analyze profit performance of key SKU’s and make profit improvement recommendations
- The Purchasing Group is a key member of the profit enhancement team providing customer analysis making recommendations for profit improvement and customer satisfaction
- Risk based thinking (recommendations for reducing risk)
Physical Elements
- Must be able to push, pull and lift up to 50 lbs.
- Must be able to sit for extended periods of time
- Must be able to use a telephone and computer for extended periods of time
- Must be able to bend, stoop, crouch, sit and walk frequently
- Must be able to read and write clearly in English