Purchasing Manager

Packaging Corporation of America; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is a Fortune 500 company that provides packaging solutions. We seek a Purchasing Manager to oversee the purchase of materials, equipment, supplies and services for mill operations, ensuring lowest total cost while meeting quality and service needs.

The role requires developing purchasing procedures, negotiating strategic agreements, and maintaining ISO 9001:2015 standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or procurement preferred but equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum three years in industrial/manufacturing, preferably purchasing in paper industry.
• CPSM/CSCP/CSCM or equivalent certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide departmental leadership and management.
• Develop and publish purchasing procedures to provide up-to-date methods for cost effective techniques as required.
• Purchase materials, equipment, supplies and services at the lowest cost possible consistent with quality and service requirements to ensure continuing operation of the mill.
• Negotiate strategic supply/service agreements and help reduce supplier base.
• Assist mill customers with keeping material inventory at optimum levels.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 principles.
• Knowledge of UCC and applicable purchasing law.
• Capability of formulating purchase/service agreements.
• Ability to achieve consistent, documented cost reductions.
• Implement and support Corporate supply/service agreements to ensure optimal participation to the mill.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical thinking

Vendor relations

Project management

Microsoft Office

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or procurement

Equivalent experience

Tools

Purchasing software

MS Excel

ERP systems

Job description

As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers—large and small—to package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence. We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for the purchase of materials, equipment, supplies and services at the lowest cost possible consistent with quality and service requirements to ensure continuing operation of the Mill. Purchasing is a centralized function responsible for negotiating company agreements with vendors for office supplies, manufacturing equipment, raw materials and contract services.

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for knowing and following policies and procedures of the company, for sharing information that would benefit other members of the team; and for finding ways to improve delivery of service to our customers. The Purchasing Manager is expected to continually strive to strengthen our business philosophy of Meeting needs, exceeding expectations for our customers. This includes supporting our Commitment to Service which involves doing what's right for our customers; focusing on strategies that add value and support growth; and keeping the promises that we make.

Principal Accountabilities

• Provide departmental leadership and management.
• Development and publish of purchasing procedures to provide up-to-date methods for cost effective techniques as required.
• Purchase materials, equipment, supplies and services at the lowest cost possible consistent with quality and service requirements to ensure continuing operation of the mill.
• Negotiate strategic supply/service agreements and help reduce supplier base.
• Assist mill customers with keeping material inventory at optimum levels.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 principles.
• Knowledge of UCC and applicable purchasing law.
• Capability of formulating purchase/service agreements.
• Ability to achieve consistent, documented cost reductions.
• Implement and support Corporate supply/service agreements to ensure optimal participation to the mill.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree (in business or procurement) preferred but will consider equivalent experience.
• Experience: A minimum of three years' previous work experience in industrial and/or a manufacturing environment, preferably in purchasing and/or the paper industry. Strong project management experience with the ability to assess business needs and make solid recommendations regarding timelines, suppliers, contractors, and costs.
• Certification: Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM) or equivalent preferred.

Skills

• Ability to organize, plan, communicate effectively and motivate others. Maintain ethical relationships with vendor representatives, operations, maintenance and staff personnel.
• Excellent negotiation skills in the areas of administration, supplier sourcing, vendor analysis, and program evaluation a plus.
• High level of computer proficiency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Also, ability to learn purchasing software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with individuals throughout the company as well as build relationships with vendors, contractors, and brokers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work independently, organize and prioritize assignments, and achieve desired results.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple requests simultaneously.
• Able to travel to various locations as necessary.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.