Raw Materials Buyer

Suzano Packaging • Pine Bluff, AR

23h

About The Position

The Raw Materials Buyer is responsible for ensuring timely procurement and availability of raw materials needed to support manufacturing operations. The role manages material planning, inventory monitoring, purchase order execution, supplier coordination, and delivery performance. It works closely with Operations, Production Planning, Logistics, Warehousing, and Procurement Leadership to maintain reliable supply, optimize inventory levels, and minimize supply chain disruptions.

The buyer monitors inventory and consumption trends, determines replenishment needs, issues and tracks purchase orders, coordinates with suppliers, and responds to shortages or delivery disruptions. The role also prepares inventory, purchasing, and supplier performance reports; supports budgeting, forecasting, and month-end activities; and collaborates across teams to communicate material availability risks and mitigation plans.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of purchasing, procurement, raw material planning, inventory management, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in SAP for purchase order management, inventory review, reporting, and procurement transactions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment undergoing change and growth.
• Ability to understand technical details and support team members.

Nice To Haves

• Experience purchasing chemicals, packaging materials, pulp and paper products, or other manufacturing raw materials.
• Experience with production planning and inventory optimization.
• Experience using Power BI or other reporting tools.
• Knowledge of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) concepts.
• APICS/ASCM, CPSM, or related supply chain certification.

Responsibilities

• Monitor inventory levels for assigned raw materials, chemicals, and production-critical consumables.
• Review production plans, forecasts, and consumption trends to determine replenishment requirements.
• Maintain inventory levels that support production while minimizing excess inventory.
• Identify potential shortages, slow-moving inventory, and inventory risks, and recommend inventory actions.
• Analyze inventory usage patterns and historical consumption to improve forecasting accuracy.
• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders for assigned raw materials, ensuring orders meet required lead times.
• Track purchase order status and supplier confirmations; manage order changes, delivery updates, and quantity adjustments.
• Resolve purchasing discrepancies involving pricing, quantities, and delivery schedules.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records in SAP.
• Act as the primary day-to-day contact for assigned suppliers and coordinate delivery schedules and shipment timing.
• Monitor supplier commitments, communicate changes to internal stakeholders, and escalate shortages, late deliveries, and other supply concerns.
• Support supplier performance monitoring, including delivery and service metrics.
• Monitor supply chain conditions and proactively identify risks.
• Develop recovery plans for delayed deliveries and supply disruptions.
• Coordinate urgent material requirements with Operations and Logistics.
• Support implementation of alternate suppliers and contingency plans as needed.
• Develop and maintain inventory, purchasing, and supplier performance reports.
• Track inventory levels, supplier delivery performance, stockouts, and expedited freight.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and month-end reporting activities.
• Use data analysis to identify opportunities to improve inventory management and purchasing efficiency.
• Work with Operations, Production Planning, Warehouse, Logistics, Accounts Payable, and Procurement teams.
• Participate in inventory review and production planning meetings.
• Communicate material availability risks and mitigation plans.
• Support inventory reconciliation and month-end closing activities.

Benefits

• Medical insurance with multiple plan options and nationwide networks.
• Dental insurance with multiple plan options and nationwide networks.
• Vision insurance with multiple plan options and nationwide networks.
• Company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance, with optional plans.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with automatic enrollment and a company match.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), with company contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare, limited-purpose, and dependent care expenses.
• Voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.

What This Job Offers

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