Materials Buyer

Pho Prime, LLC; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A packaging solutions provider in Omaha is looking for a sourcing specialist to manage the procurement of corrugated boxes and plastic films. This role involves executing category strategies, collaborating with various teams, and ensuring timely inventory management to enhance production efficiency. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in procurement, particularly in packaging materials, to contribute to innovative and cost-effective solutions.

Qualifications

• Procurement or supply chain experience.
• 2-3 years in procurement/sourcing, preferred experience in corrugated and flexible films.
• Ability to lead and manage complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Own the sourcing strategy and buying for packaging materials.
• Manage key packaging components and work cross-functionally.
• Build and execute category strategies for packaging.

Skills

Procurement experience

Project management

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Communication

Teamwork

Education

4-year college degree

Job description

Job Description

Job Summary

Own the sourcing strategy and day-to-day buying for corrugated boxes and plastic films that protect and present our products. You will secure capacity, support innovation, improve quality and sustainability, and deliver cost savings on our key packaging materials. You will also partner with procurement and production to properly time packaging purchases and manage inventory to maximize in-stock position while minimizing excess inventory.

Major Job Responsibilities

• Manages key packaging components—corrugated boxes, plastic films, and labels—by working cross-functionally with creative, procurement, and production teams to determine packaging specifications, acquiring price quotes, negotiating minimum order quantities, negotiating and purchasing supplies and equipment, and coordinating lead times.
• Builds and executes short‑ and long‑term category strategies for corrugated boxes, labels, and films, creating sourcing plans, cost models, and capacity reservations for peak season production. Delivers annual savings and inflation mitigation via material innovation, specification harmonization, footprint consolidation, and logistics optimization.
• Manages packaging inventory at all locations, creating inventory flow plans that align closely with procurement and production strategies. The goal is to create more just‑in‑time inventory flow to reduce the carrying costs of inventory.
• Works with production team to evaluate current packaging production processes, researching methods to improve output and reduce costs. Continually researches and tests new materials and equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 4‑year college degree or equivalent.
• Procurement or supply chain experience.
• 2‑3 years in procurement/sourcing, with direct ownership of corrugated and flexible films preferred, along with demonstrated savings delivery, index‑based contracting, and supplier development.
• Must be able to lead and manage complex projects from conception to execution.
• Must be proficient in building files and worksheets using a computer.
• Must have extensive knowledge and experience in paperboard, corrugated, and plastic packaging components, including production of packaging materials.
• High‑level understanding of industry trends and competitive factors.
• Ability to work independently and use a high degree of independent judgment to make sound decisions.
• Proficient in communicating effectively with vendors and negotiating prices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills coupled with excellent interpersonal and team skills.
• Must have exceptional analytical and problem‑solving skills that support inventory and financial analysis.

Special Note

• Military Veterans and their spouses are encouraged to apply.

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity & Your Privacy

EEO Statement:

This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Information on race, gender and national origin will only be used for statistical and record‑keeping purposes, and will not be used in making any employment decisions. All information provided will be kept separate from your expression of interest. Providing this information is strictly voluntary, and you will not be subjected to any adverse action or treatment if you choose not to provide this information. If you do not choose to answer these questions, we ask that you select "Decline to Identify" for each question. Thank you for your voluntary cooperation.

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