Purchasing Manager

Wausau Container Corporation; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 65,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Disability insurance

Life insurance

AD&D

Paid time off

401(k) with match

Health insurance

Dental insurance

HSA/HRA options

Career growth

Team environment

Job summary

Wausau Container Corporation in Wisconsin is seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Manager to lead procurement and inventory management for our production teams. The role emphasizes strong leadership, financial accountability, and continuous improvement to optimize costs and reliability.

You will analyze demand, manage POs and pricing, and collaborate with suppliers to secure material availability, accurate reporting, and efficient operations across the plant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years in purchasing, inventory or supply chain management.
• Strong Excel skills and data analysis.
• Experience with Power BI and ERP/inventory software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee purchasing and inventory management to support production.
• Analyze demand, schedules, and trends to guide purchasing strategy.
• Manage POs, pricing, and records for cost efficiency.
• Develop supplier relationships and negotiate pricing and terms.
• Implement FIFO inventory practices and reduce aging/obsolete stock.
• Lead data tracking using Excel, Power BI, and internal systems.
• Drive warehouse barcode scanning and inventory tracking initiatives.

Skills

Excel

Power BI

Inventory management

Leadership

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Wausau Container Corporation is a Wausau, Wisconsin-based manufacturer with over 30 years of experience producing high-quality folding cartons for the food, beverage, and retail industries. We are known for innovative, reliable solutions and a commitment to quality, precision, and customer satisfaction.

Position Overview

Wausau Container Corporation is seeking a detail-oriented, analytical, and results-driven Purchasing Manager to lead material procurement and inventory management.

This role strategically manages purchasing and inventory accuracy for production while requiring strong leadership, sound judgment, financial accountability, and a commitment to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

The Purchasing Manager partners with production and suppliers to manage purchasing, optimize inventory, reduce costs, and improve efficiency and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee purchasing and inventory management to ensure material availability and support production requirements.
• Analyze production schedules, material demand, purchasing history, and inventory trends to develop effective purchasing and inventory strategies.
• Manage purchase orders, material pricing, and purchasing records to ensure accuracy and cost efficiency.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships, negotiate competitive pricing and terms, and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce aging, excess, and obsolete inventory while maintaining proper FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory practices.
• Ensure inventory accuracy by resolving discrepancies, allocation errors, and vendor credits for defective materials.
• Review and analyze production reports to ensure accurate reporting of material usage, waste, downtime, and job assignments.
• Utilize Excel, Power BI, and internal reporting systems to evaluate purchasing expenditures, inventory performance, and material consumption.
• Lead the implementation and ongoing development of warehouse barcode scanning and inventory tracking systems.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience in purchasing, inventory management, supply chain management, or a related field preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including analyzing and interpreting large datasets.
• Experience with Power BI, ERP systems, or inventory management software preferred.
• Exceptional attention to detail, supported by strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of inventory management principles, including FIFO, inventory turnover, and material forecasting.
• Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions, manage competing priorities, and take ownership of operational results.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external suppliers.
• Ability to identify operational inefficiencies, develop practical solutions, and successfully implement process improvements.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Competitive compensation
• Company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, and AD&D coverage
• Paid time off
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Health and dental insurance, including HSA and HRA options
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment

Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.