Packaging Procurement Specialist

Ancient Crunch•Hackettstown, NJ

43d•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 the production process, with a focus on flexible packaging. The position ensures timely and cost-effective procurement and is expected to lead new initiatives and assume additional duties as the company's procurement and operations strategy evolves.

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 a 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; ability to take mathematical assumptions and produce compelling projections.
Decent proficiency in Excel and arithmetic.
Familiarity or better with graphic design tools and knowledge: 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

Material Planning and Inventory Coordination: Ensure sufficient materials are available as needed, without significant overstocking by using sales projections and historical SKU mix to model material needs, translating production targets into material requirements, and building in ordering buffers based on vendor lead times. Maintain a live model that adjusts as forecasts change and communicate needs to vendors proactively.
Vendor Management and Onboarding: Vet, negotiate, and onboard new suppliers of packaging materials. Maintain strong, positive relationships with both new and existing suppliers, ensuring clear, friendly, and productive communication. Maintain redundancy in suppliers.
Material Ordering and Timely Deliveries: Place orders based on production needs and ensure materials are received by required deadlines. Monitor and manage lead times, follow up frequently to ensure timely delivery, and handle any delays or issues with suppliers promptly and professionally.
Cost Management: Negotiate pricing and purchase terms with suppliers. Regularly review supplier contracts and seek opportunities to reduce costs without compromising quality.
Inventory Management: Act as a backup to the production team, ensuring materials are replenished in a timely manner to prevent shortages. Coordinate with the warehouse team for proper material tracking and storage.
Quality Control and Problem Resolution: Inspect materials upon delivery to ensure they meet required specifications. Address any quality issues directly with suppliers to resolve them efficiently.
Delivery Coordination: Work with logistics partners to organize freight and coordinate deliveries. Ensure clear communication between suppliers and freight carriers for timely and accurate shipments.
Record Keeping: Log all purchase orders, deliveries, and invoices. Work with the accounting team for accurate and timely payment of invoices.
Packaging Spec and Artwork Maintenance: Maintain a database of artwork and proofs, keep them up to date, communicate artwork files to vendors, and maintain records of ordered bags in conformance with designs. Maintain an updated list of sizing and material requirements for all flexible packaging.
Designer and Brand Coordination: Coordinate with brand/product teams to determine artwork updates, communicate updates to designers, get approvals and feedback, approve proofs, and ensure correct colors.