Senior Buyer - Packaging Materials

Placements24; United States; Remote; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical support

Retirement planning

Performance-based bonuses

Remote work

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Buyer to lead packaging materials procurement for a major consumer goods client. This fully remote role operates across South Africa, demanding strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and cross-functional collaboration to meet sustainability and product requirements.

The ideal candidate has extensive packaging procurement experience, sharp negotiation skills, and a strategic mindset to drive cost efficiency and supplier performance in a remote setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in procurement with focus on packaging materials.
• Proven track record in negotiation and supplier management within packaging.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for all packaging materials categories.
• Lead complex negotiations with local and international packaging suppliers to achieve cost savings and optimal terms.
• Manage supplier relationships, conduct performance reviews, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify new sourcing opportunities, market trends, and innovative packaging solutions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define packaging specifications, quality standards, and sustainability requirements.
• Manage end-to-end procurement process for packaging materials, including RFPs, contract management, and order placement.
• Monitor and analyze market intelligence related to raw materials for packaging.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical sourcing practices, and relevant regulations.
• Mitigate supply chain risks associated with packaging materials procurement.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Analytical

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder management

Independent work

Remote work capability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Tools

Procurement software

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading consumer goods manufacturer, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Buyer to manage the procurement of packaging materials for their operations. This is a fully remote role, offering the flexibility to work from home across South Africa. The Senior Buyer will be responsible for developing and implementing sourcing strategies, negotiating favorable terms with suppliers, and ensuring the cost-effective acquisition of high-quality packaging solutions. You will collaborate closely with product development, marketing, and operations teams to meet evolving product needs and sustainability goals. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in packaging procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a strategic mindset. This role is critical for maintaining product integrity and driving innovation in packaging.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for all packaging materials categories.
• Lead complex negotiations with local and international packaging suppliers to achieve cost savings and optimal terms.
• Manage supplier relationships, conduct performance reviews, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify new sourcing opportunities, market trends, and innovative packaging solutions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define packaging specifications, quality standards, and sustainability requirements.
• Manage the end-to-end procurement process for packaging materials, including RFPs, contract management, and order placement.
• Monitor and analyze market intelligence related to raw materials for packaging.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical sourcing practices, and relevant regulations.
• Mitigate supply chain risks associated with packaging materials procurement.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, with a significant focus on packaging materials.
• Proven track record of successful negotiation and supplier management within the packaging industry.
• Strong understanding of various packaging materials (e.g., plastics, paperboard, glass) and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with strategic sourcing methodologies and category management.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software and MS Office Suite.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive executive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement planning, and performance-based bonuses.
• This fully remote position offers excellent work-life balance and the opportunity to influence packaging strategy for a major consumer goods company.
• Professional development and continuous learning are encouraged.
• Join a forward-thinking team that values innovation and sustainability, contributing to the success of our client's brands from wherever you are based.
• This role conceptually relates to East London, Eastern Cape , but is remote.