Raw Materials Buyer

Suzano Packaging • Pine Bluff, AR

2d

About The Position

The Raw Materials Buyer ensures the 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, plans replenishment, creates and tracks purchase orders, coordinates supplier deliveries, and addresses purchasing discrepancies. The role also identifies supply risks, develops recovery plans, supports alternate suppliers and contingency plans, and prepares reports on inventory, purchasing, and supplier performance. Additional work includes supporting budgeting, forecasting, inventory reconciliation, and month-end closing.

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.
• Hands-on approach, including 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 appropriate inventory levels while minimizing excess inventory.
• Identify potential shortages, slow-moving inventory, and inventory risks; recommend appropriate inventory actions.
• Analyze inventory usage patterns and historical consumption to improve forecasting accuracy.
• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders, ensuring orders are placed within required lead times.
• Track purchase order status and supplier confirmations; manage order changes, delivery updates, and quantity adjustments.
• Resolve purchasing discrepancies related to pricing, quantities, and delivery schedules.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records in SAP.
• Serve 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, identify risks, and develop recovery plans for delayed deliveries and disruptions.
• Coordinate with Operations and Logistics on urgent material requirements and support 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; use data analysis to identify improvements in inventory management and purchasing efficiency.
• Collaborate 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, dental, and 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