Raw Materials Planner/Analyst

Graphic Packaging Careers•Chicago, IL

74d•Onsite

About The Position

Graphic Packaging International produces paper-based packaging for various industries. They are a large manufacturer with a global presence, committed to environmental responsibility, diversity, and offering competitive compensation and benefits. This role is part of a collaborative, diverse, and innovative team focused on creating inspired packaging. The Raw Materials Planner/Analyst is accountable for acquiring necessary goods and services for the organization, encompassing both Direct Operations (like raw materials and paperboard for manufacturing) and Indirect Operations (such as office supplies and maintenance parts). The procurement processes involve sourcing, supplier selection, negotiation, order processing, contract administration, and performance management. A key objective is to minimize paperboard working capital by aligning material procurement with a just-in-time production schedule.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or related work experience required in lieu of degree.
Must possess strong analytical skills.
Must be able to multitask and possess strong time management skills.
Must be Proficient in Microsoft Office Products, with an emphasis on Excel.
Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
Must possess excellent customer-service skills.
The candidate must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Business acumen
Attention to Detail
Problem Solver

Responsibilities

Utilize MRP to identify paperboard needs, generate purchase requisitions, and issue Purchase Orders for paperboard and related materials.
Track all purchase orders through completion to ensure on-time delivery, escalating risks or shortages to the Corporate Material Supply Team as needed.
Maintain daily communication with suppliers to monitor delivery status, adjust to schedule changes, and confirm shipment details prior to scheduled production.
Coordinate paperboard transportation and delivery logistics with internal and external partners.
Partner with Production, Scheduling, and other internal teams to procure materials in alignment with production needs and equipment optimization.
Ensure accuracy of raw material inventories through routine monitoring, transactional discipline, and reconciliation activities.
Work with the plant IPR and Receiving teams to verify receipt accuracy and promptly resolve inventory discrepancies.
Identify obsolete materials, aged material risk, and excess/overage situations, coordinate removal, repurposing, or corrective action with the Material Supply Team and plant leadership.
Maintain favorable inventory levels to support Working Capital goals.
Proactively identify opportunities to utilize unallocated paperboard within the plant and across other Graphic Packaging facilities and warehouses.
Allocate board to production orders and provide administrative support to ensure smooth production floor operations.
Coordinate with the Continuous Improvement team to address material quality concerns, implement corrective actions, and support supplier performance improvements.
Liaise with internal customer service representatives to communicate material timing and availability.
Manage plant requisitioning for supplies and services beyond core paperboard needs, while identifying and supporting cost‑saving opportunities related to materials and supply usage.
Participate in new and transfer business meetings to ensure material readiness and alignment with production requirements.
Build strong relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and cross‑functional partners to support operational excellence.
Work independently under general supervision, exercising judgment in analyzing material planning situations and recommending solutions aligned with policies and business practices.
Mentor, coach, or train less experienced team members as needed.
Follow all Plant rules, Processes, Hygiene, and Allergens procedures, related to production of Safe Quality Foods.
Report to person of authority to record any potentially unsafe conditions which may result in unsafe foods or noncompliance to SQF related procedures.
Participate in SQF Root Cause and Corrective Actions (from customer complaints, SQF audits, validation, and verification activities) as required.
Follow all procedures related to producing Safe Quality Foods (SQF).
Report any potentially unsafe SQF conditions or customer complaints to a person of authority to record and/or correct the situation.
Any other task as needed.