Packaging Buyer

McKenna Labs, Inc•Fullerton, CA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

McKenna Labs is a full-service contract manufacturing company specializing in hair, skin, and body care products since 1998. The Packaging Buyer manages the end-to-end sourcing, purchasing, and production coordination of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging components within target project budgets for turnkey manufacturing of Personal Care products. This role ensures all materials meet approved specifications, artwork requirements, and applicable quality and regulatory standards. The Packaging Buyer is responsible for managing on-time delivery for efficient production planning and customer due dates, collaborating closely with external packaging vendors and designers, as well as cross-functional internal teams including Product Development, Sales, Production, Planning, Quality, and Inventory to ensure seamless execution across all packaging operations.

Requirements

2-5 years of Packaging sourcing and procurement, ideally in personal care, cosmetics, OTC, food, or similar regulated manufacturing.
Strong understanding of packaging components and supplier categories (plastics, glass, closures, labels, unit carton, tamper, corrugate, etc.)
Knowledge and strong understanding of printing methods used for packaging materials.
Experience with GMP environments, supplier audits, and quality documentation.
Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems.
Strong negotiation, communication, and vendor management skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Must be a team player and be able to work independently.
Ability to collaborate and communicate with others in an effective and professional manner.
Must have solid mathematical skills with the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, percent, dimensions, weights, convert English/Metric units, and apply concepts to practical situations
Must be able to work in person onsite.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Operations, or related field preferred

Responsibilities

Carry out responsibilities in compliance with company policies, work procedures, and federal, state, and local laws. Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and health and safety rules and regulations.
Source and purchase packaging components from approved vendors as well as validating new suppliers.
Evaluate suppliers based on cost, lead time, service, compliance, and quality performance.
Request quotes, negotiate pricing, and secure cost savings while maintaining quality standards.
Manage and update approved supplier lists and vendor contacts.
Review MRP/ERP demand requirements, to submit and manage purchase orders.
Maintain appropriate safety stock and reorder points for packaging materials.
Monitor supplier lead times, delivery commitments, and open orders.
Resolve supply issues proactively to avoid production delays.
Maintain accurate parts pricing in ERP system.
Create and track purchase orders, delivery dates, and confirmations.
Maintain accurate data in ERP (pricing, lead time, supplier info).
Reconcile invoice discrepancies with Finance.
Prepare procurement reports, KPIs, and supplier performance updates.
Ensure all packaging components meet specifications, GMP requirements, and company quality standards.
Work with Quality, Engineering and R&D teams to qualify new components.
Assist with nonconformance investigations, supplier corrective actions, and deviations.
Support new product development by securing samples, quotes, and timelines for new components.
Provide quotations and samples from multiple supplier options for new product opportunities.
Maintain retain standard liability.
Partner with Production and Scheduling to align material availability with batch and filling plans.
Collaborate with Mechanics and R&D on packaging changes or technical issues.
Communicate delays, risks, and material constraints to internal stakeholders.
Maintain a positive and productive relationship with co-workers and others with whom the position may have contact.
Perform tasks with safety in mind for self and others. Use personal protective equipment as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.