Purchasing Buyer

Houdini, Inc • Fullerton, CA

6h

About The Position

Position manages the daily process of sourcing, procuring and expediting, and inventory management of designated corrugated packaging items as assigned. Position advises other functional groups on packaging design and function when required. Involved in the wine design team related to the bottling/packaging process. Position assists in developing and coaching others in the department regarding the packaging category.Please note: experience buying/purchasing corrugated materials required.

Requirements

• Effective and clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Competency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Must be a self-starter, self-motivated and disciplined.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Must demonstrate problem solving skills, multi-tasking capabilities and flexibility.
• Must possess great attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
• Ability to take ownership of projects and follow up on tasks to meet and support intra and inter departmental deadlines.
• Ability to interact and work well with others across all departments in a fast-paced environment.
• 5 years’ experience as a packaging buyer and familiarity with packaging design.
• Strong in corrugated packaging.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Macola operating system is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience in the packaging field.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate and interview prospective vendors in alignment with organizational needs.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing vendors.
• Research and source new products and potential suppliers.
• Serve as an internal subject-matter expert on market trends, product opportunities and emerging packaging concepts to support product development initiatives.
• Analyze internal systems to assess product demand; monitor, compare, and validate inventory requirements between SSM and Macola for assigned items.
• Review demand data to generate purchase orders, ensuring timely follow‑up and expediting when necessary.
• Create new item numbers and ensure accurate integration across all data platforms.
• Maintain up‑to‑date component item information within the Macola ERP system.
• Manage current pricing and item/vendor data across all platforms—including CP, Macola, and supporting spreadsheets—and communicate pricing changes promptly to the Design Team.
• Coordinate and schedule the seasonal Weekly Label and Hang Tag Meeting.
• Update and manage art and graphics requests, due dates, and all related details within the Label Requirements Spreadsheet (LRSS).
• Review, sign off and approve respective category costs on Customer Cost Sheets.
• Assist in the creation of new non‑inventory items and ensure accurate entry into the Central Pricing system.
• Support the procurement of items requested through Pack Requests and enter corresponding data into Central Pricing.
• Process Pack Requests from the Design Team and Product Optimization Teams, including sample ordering and delivery, cost calculations, accuracy verification, and maintenance of all related art files (die lines, graphics, etc.) for both domestic and international vendors.
• Coordinate and expedite artwork needs with the Design and Graphics teams.
• Provide guidance to Production, Design, and Management on printing requirements and best practices.
• Mentor and support team members on packaging‑related processes and standards.
• Communicate with Production, Warehouse, Design, and Management regarding potential packaging issues and provide timely status updates.
• Identify and recommend packaging items to be removed from the system.
• Review operational activity to identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Member of In-House Wine Development Team.
• Perform any additional tasks assigned by management.
• Execution of purchase orders to suppliers, including maintaining and updating of ETD’s & ETA’s and communicating any delays to the planning, production, and warehouse teams.
• Work with A/P to resolve any delivery, payment, or terms discrepancies.
• Establish and ensure that item numbers and pricing/costing are accurate and complete within company databases.
• Item number creation/maintenance and discontinuation (DC) of items across all platforms and files (Macola, Central Pricing, New Macola Numbers Spreadsheet, DNA Component Sheets, Customer Cost Sheets, etc).
• Perform other tasks/projects as assigned by management.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level