Assistant Manager, Packaging Development & Procurement

Panella Foods & Beverages; Bhiwandi; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Panella Foods & Beverages is seeking an experienced packaging procurement professional to manage RFQs, build cost sheets and negotiate terms with packaging suppliers. The role requires auditing and onboarding converters, printers and packaging vendors, and maintaining a robust vendor list with alternate sources.

The candidate will raise POs in ERP, plan replenishment, and prevent stock-outs while controlling costs through data-driven price escalations and value engineering.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Packaging Technology (IIP preferred).
• 5–8 years in packaging roles at FMCG, food and beverage, or premium consumer brands.
• At least 2 years of direct procurement responsibility, including owning rates, negotiations and vendor selection.

Responsibilities

• Run RFQs, build should-cost and cost-sheet comparisons, and negotiate rates, payment terms, MOQs and lead times.
• Identify, audit, onboard and develop packaging vendors, including converters, printers, tin makers and glass suppliers; maintain approved vendor list and alternate sources.
• Raise and track packaging material POs in ERP; plan replenishment against production plan and stock levels.
• Prevent stock-outs and reduce excess/obsolete stock, especially during artwork changes.
• Handle price escalations with data such as raw-material indices and market benchmarks; drive cost reduction via value engineering.
• Handle vendor quality issues: rejections, debit notes, root cause and corrective action, and vendor scorecards.

Skills

Vendor negotiation

Procurement

ERP systems

FMCG packaging

Cost optimization

Data analysis

Excel

Supplier onboarding

Education

Packaging Technology degree

Diploma in Packaging

IIP preferred

Tools

ERP software

Tally

Excel

Job description

Key Responsibilities Packaging Procurement

• Run RFQs, build should-cost and cost-sheet comparisons, and negotiate rates, payment terms, MOQs and lead times.
• Identify, audit, onboard and develop packaging vendors, including converters, printers, tin makers and glass suppliers. Maintain the approved vendor list and an alternate source for every critical item.
• Raise and track packaging material POs in the ERP, within the company's approval limits. Plan replenishment against the production plan and stock levels.
• Prevent stock-outs, and reduce excess and obsolete stock, especially when artwork changes.
• Handle price escalations with data, such as raw-material indices and market benchmarks. Drive cost reduction through value engineering without hurting the premium finish.
• Handle vendor quality issues: rejections, debit notes, root cause and corrective action, and periodic vendor scorecards.

Key Performance Indicators

• Packaging material available on time against the production plan
• Cost savings achieved and price escalations avoided
• Artwork and print approvals right the first time
• Vendor rejection rate
• Packaging material inventory days and obsolete write-offs
• New-launch packaging delivered on schedule

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or diploma in Packaging Technology (IIP preferred), Printing Technology or Engineering.
• 5–8 years in packaging roles at FMCG, food and beverage, or premium consumer brands.
• At least 2 years of direct procurement responsibility. That means owning rates, negotiations and vendor selection, not only coordinating them.

Skills & Competencies

• Hands-on knowledge of paperboard, rigid boxes, tins, glass, flexible laminates and corrugation.
• Working knowledge of print processes (offset, rotogravure, flexo) and finishes (foiling, embossing, spot UV).
• Working knowledge of FSSAI labelling, Legal Metrology and food safety system requirements.
• Strong negotiation skills, and the ability to build and defend cost sheets.
• Strong Excel skills. Hands-on ERP experience is required, and Tally is preferred.
• An eye for detail and finish to the standard of a luxury brand.
• Experience in tea, coffee, gourmet or luxury packaging is a strong advantage.