Manager, Procurement Outsourcing & Paper

Pregis•Chicago, IL

About The Position

This role is responsible for assisting the Procurement Director in developing and executing the overall Pregis procurement strategy for paper. The Manager will own and execute the procurement strategy for corrugate, other fiber-related materials, and outsourced converting partners. This includes setting up outsourcing programs with external vendors for both paper and poly converters to extend Pregis' capabilities and grow the business. The role requires building strong relationships with vendor partners and internal stakeholders to drive these programs, supporting RFQs, evaluating proposals, negotiating prices, and awarding business. Additionally, the Manager will identify and develop new sources of supply and outsourced capabilities, facilitate supplier discussions, and develop/analyze sourcing data to identify savings initiatives and improve supplier performance. Support for logistics activities to ensure optimal shipping pricing and timely deliveries, identification and resolution of supply chain bottlenecks, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to implement cost reductions and streamline processes are also key aspects of this position. The role involves owning day-to-day supplier cost, delivery, and quality management, monitoring supplier performance, and identifying cost reduction and productivity improvement opportunities. Support for sourcing and procuring goods and services for production, innovation, and new product development, creating purchase orders, managing requisitions for product trials, reviewing and approving invoices, and maintaining procurement files and vendor records in SAP are also required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics, or Business
3 - 5 years of related experience in a process and/ or packaging manufacturing industry (preferred)
2+ years of procurement experience, preferably in the paper industry
In-depth knowledge of the paper market, supply base and trends
2+ years of project management experience with cross functional teams
Proven data analytics experience
Advanced MS Office skills, particularly in Excel modeling
Previous packaging category experience preferred, with a focus on paper, corrugate, or poly packaging material
Experienced in manufacturing converting a plus
SAP experience strongly preferred
Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
Passion for results, strategy, and hands-on execution
Creative, calculated risk taker with the ability to manage difficult suppliers and resolve disputes while preserving relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders
Ability to work in fast paced environment interacting with plant personnel, suppliers and internal stakeholders
Innovative problem-solving capabilities with special attention to accuracy and detail
Ability to document workflows, processes, and procedures for varying functional and organizational areas
Ability to effectively prioritize and multi-task in high volume, fast paced work environment with a bias towards action
Excellent communication and organizational skills

Nice To Haves

3 - 5 years of related experience in a process and/ or packaging manufacturing industry
Previous packaging category experience preferred, with a focus on paper, corrugate, or poly packaging material
Experienced in manufacturing converting a plus
SAP experience strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Assist Procurement Director in developing and executing overall Pregis procurement strategy for paper
Own and execute procurement strategy for corrugate, and other fiber related materials and outsourced converting partners
Set up outsourcing programs with external vendors on both paper and poly converters to extend Pregis capabilities and grow the business
Build strong relationships with vendor partners and internal stakeholders to drive these programs
Support RFQs, evaluate proposals, negotiate prices and award business
Identify and develop new sources of supply and outsourced capabilities as needed
Facilitate supplier discussions to support material flow, projects, and cost reduction objectives
Develop, analyze and present sourcing data to assist leadership with targeting potential savings initiatives and developing improved supplier performance
Support logistics activities to ensure best pricing on shipping of finished goods and timely deliveries to domestic and international customers
Identify bottlenecks in the supply-chain process and implement solutions to improve performance
Work closely with cross-functional stakeholders to implement cost reductions, streamline business processes and meet the needs of the business and customers
Own and drive day-to-day supplier cost, delivery, and quality and supplier management for assigned areas of responsibility
Monitor supplier performance & identify cost reduction & productivity improvement opportunities
Support cross-functional teams to successfully source and procure goods and services in support of production, innovation, and new product development
Create purchase orders and manage requisitions for product trials
Review and approve invoices
Maintain procurement files and vendor records in SAP