Strategic Purchasing Leader - Heavy Industry & Mills

Packaging-Corporation-of-America; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 96,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

401k with company matching

Retirement Savings Plan

Educational Assistance Program

11 paid holidays

Vacation Time - 3 weeks

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Packaging-Corporation-of-America is seeking a Purchasing Manager in Gladstone, VA to lead the Purchasing and Stores departments. You will guide procurement and inventory strategies, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships to ensure continuous supply for mill operations.

The role requires 5+ years in heavy industry purchasing, a bachelor's degree in a related field, and strong negotiation and analysis skills. Travel may be necessary; driving license required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, economics, or related field required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in heavy industrial or manufacturing environments.
• Minimum 7 years of purchasing experience.
• Strong project management and cost optimization experience.
• Experience bidding and contracting material and services.
• Heavy industrial experience—pulp and paper, chemicals, 24/7 operations.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Outlook, AS400 and purchasing software.
• Excellent negotiation and vendor analysis skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, multi-task, and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to travel and valid US driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement and inventory management functions including strategy development.
• Lead negotiations on contracts and capital purchases.
• Establish contract terms and maintain supplier relationships.
• Support mill compliance with mandatory contracts and policies.
• Manage the mill's leasing program in coordination with teams.
• Coordinate with Energy Engineer on electricity and natural gas procurement.
• Oversee daily Purchasing Department operations and supplier follow-ups.
• Review financials to identify cost savings opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, SOX, and FSC in purchasing.
• Drive continuous process improvement in purchasing activities.

Skills

Procurement

Inventory management

Contract negotiation

Vendor relations

Strategic sourcing

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Economics

Materials Management

Supply Chain Management

Business Administration

Procurement

Tools

AS400

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Purchasing software

Job description

Packaging-Corporation-of-America is seeking a Purchasing Manager in Gladstone, VA to lead the Purchasing and Stores departments. You will guide procurement and inventory strategies, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships to ensure continuous supply for mill operations.

The role requires 5+ years in heavy industry purchasing, a bachelor's degree in a related field, and strong negotiation and analysis skills. Travel may be necessary; driving license required.