Packaging Procurement Engineer

Petoskey Plastics • Petoskey, MI

7d

About The Position

The Packaging Procurement Engineer serves as the company subject matter expert in corrugated packaging and related packaging materials. The role develops category strategies, manages supplier relationships, identifies cost-saving opportunities, optimizes packaging performance, and drives total cost of ownership improvements across multiple manufacturing locations. It collaborates with Operations, Commercial, Engineering, and Procurement teams to execute strategic initiatives and packaging projects.

The position also performs buying duties and creates purchase orders for raw materials to support production schedules across multiple plants, while managing and optimizing raw material inventory. It uses Epicor ERP and other business tools to support procurement and project activities. Travel to manufacturing plants and suppliers is required as needed.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of packaging engineering and manufacturing experience with corrugated and paper-based products.
• At least 3 years of procurement experience, including managing P2P processes and optimizing the supply base.
• Strong technical knowledge of corrugated packaging products and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Understanding of corrugated contracts, pricing mechanisms, and industry indexes.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, ERP systems, and project management tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to stand, sit, walk, lift and carry up to 30 pounds, read, write, solve problems, make decisions, and concentrate.
• Ability to travel to manufacturing plants and suppliers as required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in corrugated, paper, plastics, or related packaging manufacturing is preferred.
• Experience developing cost models and managing complex projects.
• Experience with supplier relationship management and contract administration.

Responsibilities

• Create purchase orders for raw materials to support production schedules across multiple plant locations.
• Manage and optimize raw material inventory.
• Use the Epicor ERP system to optimize the ordering process.
• Establish and execute category strategies for corrugated packaging and related materials.
• Build and maintain relationships with key corrugated packaging suppliers.
• Travel to plant locations to identify packaging improvements and cost-reduction opportunities.
• Analyze market conditions, industry indexes, pricing trends, and cost drivers affecting corrugated packaging.
• Conduct RFQs and develop cost models to evaluate total cost of ownership opportunities.
• Lead packaging optimization and standardization projects from concept through implementation.
• Manage supplier performance for quality, delivery, service, and cost competitiveness.
• Identify supply chain risks and develop mitigation plans with cross-functional teams.
• Publish regular project status updates and communicate project risks, issues, and achievements to leadership.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Commercial teams to implement packaging improvements.
• Use ERP systems and other business tools to support procurement and project activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision benefits, described as valued at $4 per hour over base pay.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Company contribution of 3% of annual earnings to a 401(k), regardless of employee contribution.
• Profit sharing.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Wellness reimbursement of up to $400 annually.
• Life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Paid training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time