Raw Materials Planner/Analyst

Graphic Packaging; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 69,500 - 92,700; Full time

Job summary

Graphic Packaging International seeks a Procurement Specialist to manage paperboard and related materials, utilizing MRP data to generate purchase orders and maintain production schedules. You will monitor deliveries, coordinate logistics with internal teams and suppliers, and seek opportunities to optimize working capital and inventory levels.

In this role you will collaborate with Production and Supply Chain partners, negotiate terms, track supplier performance, and ensure compliance with SQF

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or related work experience required.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency with data.
• Ability to multitask and manage time effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with emphasis on Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong customer-service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Utilize MRP to identify paperboard needs and issue purchase orders.
• Track purchase orders through completion and ensure on-time delivery.
• Maintain daily supplier communication and confirm shipment details.
• Coordinate paperboard transportation and logistics with partners.
• Collaborate with Production and Scheduling to align procurement with production needs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Multitasking

Time management

Written communication

Verbal communication

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Excel

Job description

At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We’re one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities.

With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry’s best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.

If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you.

A World of Difference. Made Possible.

JOB SUMMARY:

Accountable for obtaining goods/services required by the organization including; Direct Operations (e.g., Raw Materials and Services for Manufacturing, manage paperboard procurement activities, corrugated, etc.) and Indirect Operations (e.g., Office Supplies, Computers, Travel, Maintenance, Machine Parts, etc.). Procurement processes include Product/Service Sourcing, Supplier Selection, Pricing/Terms Negotiation, Order Processing, Contract Administration and Supplier Performance Management. One of the main goals is to minimize paperboard working capital by coordinating material procurement to support a just-in-time production schedule.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Material Planning & Procurement

• Utilize MRP to identify paperboard needs, generate purchase requisitions, and issue Purchase Orders for paperboard and related materials.
• Track all purchase orders through completion to ensure on-time delivery, escalating risks or shortages to the Corporate Material Supply Team as needed.
• Maintain daily communication with suppliers to monitor delivery status, adjust to schedule changes, and confirm shipment details prior to scheduled production.
• Coordinate paperboard transportation and delivery logistics with internal and external partners.
• Partner with Production, Scheduling, and other internal teams to procure materials in alignment with production needs and equipment optimization.

Inventory Management

• Ensure accuracy of raw material inventories through routine monitoring, transactional discipline, and reconciliation activities.
• Work with the plant IPR and Receiving teams to verify receipt accuracy and promptly resolve inventory discrepancies.
• Identify obsolete materials, aged material risk, and excess/overage situations, coordinate removal, repurposing, or corrective action with the Material Supply Team and plant leadership.
• Maintain favorable inventory levels to support Working Capital goals.
• Proactively identify opportunities to utilize unallocated paperboard within the plant and across other Graphic Packaging facilities and warehouses.

Operational Support, Collaboration & Leadership

• Allocate board to production orders and provide administrative support to ensure smooth production floor operations.
• Coordinate with the Continuous Improvement team to address material quality concerns, implement corrective actions, and support supplier performance improvements.
• Liaise with internal customer service representatives to communicate material timing and availability.
• Manage plant requisitioning for supplies and services beyond core paperboard needs, while identifying and supporting cost‑saving opportunities related to materials and supply usage.
• Participate in new and transfer business meetings to ensure material readiness and alignment with production requirements.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and cross‑functional partners to support operational excellence.
• Work independently under general supervision, exercising judgment in analyzing material planning situations and recommending solutions aligned with policies and business practices.
• Mentor, coach, or train less experienced team members as needed.
• Any other task as needed.

Safe Quality Food Responsibilities for all employees:

• Follow all Plant rules, Processes, Hygiene, and Allergens procedures, related to production of Safe Quality Foods.
• Report to person of authority to record any potentially unsafe conditions which may result in unsafe foods or noncompliance to SQF related procedures.
• Participate in SQF Root Cause and Corrective Actions (from customer complaints, SQF audits, validation, and verification activities) as required.
• Follow all procedures related to producing Safe Quality Foods (SQF).
• Report any potentially unsafe SQF conditions or customer complaints to a person of authority to record and/or correct the situation.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree or related work experience required in lieu of degree.
• Must possess strong analytical skills.
• Must be able to multitask and possess strong time management skills.
• Must be Proficient in Microsoft Office Products, with an emphasis on Excel.
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must possess excellent customer-service skills.
• The candidate must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Graphic Packaging retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Business acumen
• Attention to Detail
• Problem Solver

Pay Range: $69,500.00** – $92,700.00**

Graphic Packaging is an equal opportunity employer and abides by all applicable federal, state provincial and local laws with respect to the recruitment and hiring process. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and hiring process free from discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Should you require an accommodation for a disability, please contact your Human Resources representative or email [e-mail].