Packaging Buyer

LER TechForce; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with match

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee Discounts

Professional development opportunities

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

LER TechForce is seeking an experienced Expendable Packaging Buyer to support our inbound supply chain for all packaging components used in production. This on-site role at our client in Troy, MI requires hands-on execution, from sourcing to negotiations, to ensure cost-effective packaging while meeting quality and delivery targets.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in automotive packaging procurement, proficient RFQ management, and experience with ERP/MRP systems.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of purchasing or procurement experience in automotive/manufacturing
• Experience sourcing expendable packaging (corrugate, foam, dunnage, custom packaging, etc.)
• Strong RFQ management and supplier negotiation skills
• Familiarity with cost analysis, should-cost modeling, and VA/VE methodologies
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (Netsuite, SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, startup environment with ambiguity and urgency
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or related field preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing and purchasing of expendable packaging materials for all inbound component and system suppliers
• Execute RFQ processes, analyze bids, and award business based on total cost, quality, and delivery performance
• Validate and benchmark supplier pricing; identify discrepancies and negotiate corrections
• Develop and track cost reduction initiatives targeting 2026–2027 production ramp
• Partner with engineering, logistics, and quality teams to ensure packaging specifications meet protection and compliance requirements
• Maintain and manage supplier relationships, scorecards, and delivery performance
• Support packaging transitions as component sourcing evolves during vehicle launch

Skills

Packaging procurement

RFQ management

Supplier negotiation

Cost analysis

VA/VE methodologies

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or related field

Tools

Netsuite

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Are you looking to work for a company that provides an innovative work environment, and your voice is heard? We have a position for a Packaging Buyer to work onsite at our client in Troy, MI.

Who we are:

LER TechForce is an industry leader in embedded controls, software, functional safety, and engineering talent. For over 20 years LER has been working with customers across North America to meet their engineering resource challenges. Learn more about us (3) LER TechForce: Life | LinkedIn

What you will be doing:

We are seeking an experienced Expendable Packaging Buyer to support our inbound supply chain for all components and systems used in production. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role responsible for managing packaging procurement, driving competitive RFQ processes, validating supplier pricing, and identifying cost reduction opportunities as we scale toward production targets.

• Lead sourcing and purchasing of expendable packaging materials for all inbound component and system suppliers
• Execute RFQ processes, analyze bids, and award business based on total cost, quality, and delivery performance
• Validate and benchmark supplier pricing; identify discrepancies and negotiate corrections
• Develop and track cost reduction initiatives targeting 2026–2027 production ramp
• Partner with engineering, logistics, and quality teams to ensure packaging specifications meet protection and compliance requirements
• Maintain and manage supplier relationships, scorecards, and delivery performance
• Support packaging transitions as component sourcing evolves during vehicle launch

What you'll need to be successful:

Basic:

• 5+ years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in automotive or manufacturing
• Direct experience sourcing expendable packaging (corrugate, foam, dunnage, custom packaging, etc.)
• Strong RFQ management and supplier negotiation skills
• Familiarity with cost analysis, should-cost modeling, and VA/VE methodologies
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (Netsuite, SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, startup environment with ambiguity and urgency
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred

What you'll get:

• 401 K with a match and immediate vesting
• Short-term & Long-term disability, life insurance and other optional benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discounts
• Ongoing professional development opportunities including Technical Training and Leadership Development
• The opportunity to work on industry leading projects