Packaging Procurement Specialist

Ancient Crunch Inc.•Hackettstown, NJ

44d•$65,000 - $78,000•Onsite

About The Position

Ancient Crunch Inc. is seeking a full-time Packaging Procurement Manager to join their team. This role is responsible for managing the sourcing, sizing, purchasing, and delivery of packaging materials used in their production process, with a focus on flexible packaging. The goal is to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement. As the company scales, this position is expected to lead new initiatives and assume additional duties. The role involves material planning, inventory coordination, vendor management, material ordering, cost management, quality control, delivery coordination, and record keeping. Additionally, the specialist will maintain packaging specifications and artwork, coordinating with design and brand teams for updates and approvals. The primary focus will be on primary packaging materials (pouches, bags, etc.), with a secondary focus on shipping materials (boxes, etc.). There is potential for future growth to manage a procurement team and take on greater responsibility in finance and accounts payable.

Requirements

4+ years of experience in procurement/vendor management/purchasing of flexible packaging for a CPG manufacturing company, or account management/back office/operations for packaging supplier company.
Experience with graphic-designed packaging (pouches, bags, printed boxes) is a must.
Ability to reliably commute to our factory in Hackettstown, NJ
Strong analytical and modeling skills. Can take mathematical assumptions and produce compelling projections based on them.
Requires decent proficiency in excel and arithmetic
Familiarity or better with graphic design tools and knowledge is a requirement: Pantone, Adobe Illustrator, etc.
Strong communication skills: both verbal and written.
Excellent organizational skills with a keen eye for detail.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
Tech-savvy with experience in: Google Drive, Excel/Google Sheets, MRP/ERP software
Authorized to work in the U.S. and able to commute to Hackettstown, NJ
Good memory, follow-up skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities

Nice To Haves

A personal passion for health, wellness, fitness, or food is a plus.
Interest in product quality, manufacturing, or food/science environments a plus.
Bachelor’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Use sales projections and historical SKU mix to model out material needs by SKU.
Translate production targets into material requirements.
Build in ordering buffer based on lead times of different vendors.
Maintain a live model that adjusts as forecasts change and communicate needs to vendors proactively.
Vet, negotiate, and onboard new suppliers of packaging materials.
Maintain strong, positive relationships with both new and existing suppliers.
Maintain redundancy in our suppliers in case one should have issues.
Place orders based on production needs and ensure materials are received by the required deadlines.
Monitor and manage lead times, and follow up frequently to ensure timely delivery.
Handle any delays or issues with suppliers promptly and professionally.
Negotiate pricing and purchase terms with suppliers where applicable.
Regularly review supplier contracts and seek opportunities to reduce costs without compromising quality.
Act as a backup to the production team, ensuring that materials are replenished in a timely manner to prevent shortages.
Coordinate with the warehouse team to ensure proper material tracking and storage.
Inspect materials upon delivery to ensure they meet the required specifications.
Address any quality issues directly with the suppliers to resolve them efficiently.
Work with logistics partners to organize freight and coordinate deliveries.
Ensure clear communication between suppliers and freight carriers to guarantee timely and accurate shipments.
Log all purchase orders, deliveries, and invoices.
Work with the accounting team to ensure accurate and timely payment of invoices.
Maintain database of artwork and proofs, keep them up to date, communicate artwork files to vendors, maintain records of ordered bags in conformance with the designs.
Maintain updated list of sizing and material requirements for all flexible packaging.
Coordinate with brand/product teams to determine artwork updates, communicate updates to designers, get approvals and feedback.
Approve proofs, make sure colors are correct, etc.