Sourcing Manager - Packaging

Russell Stover•Kansas City, MO

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Russell Stover, we are looking for a Sourcing Manager – Packaging to lead the sourcing and supplier management strategy for key packaging materials. This role is crucial for supporting our product portfolio, which includes corrugated components, display-ready cartons, shippers, labels, soft cell wadding, and specialty packaging. The ideal candidate will develop category strategies, negotiate commercial agreements, and build strong supplier partnerships to ensure quality, continuity of supply, and cost competitiveness. This is a hybrid position based in Kansas City, MO, requiring three days onsite each week. Local candidates are strongly preferred, and relocation assistance is not available for this role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field.
A minimum of 2 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably within the food or confectionery industry.
Demonstrated success in developing and executing sourcing strategies that deliver cost savings, improve quality, and mitigate supply chain risks.
Solid understanding of raw material markets, industry trends, and supply chain dynamics.
Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of analyzing data and deriving actionable insights to drive informed decision-making.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite and ERP systems.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Additional experience and qualifications will be considered.
Experience in food manufacturing or confectionery.
Experience with sourcing software/tools.
Experience working cross-functionally with teams in R&D, Marketing, QA, and Operations.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute category strategies that ensure a reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective supply of packaging materials, including corrugated board, display-ready cartons, shippers, labels, soft cell wadding, and other essential components that support chocolate production. Align sourcing plans with business priorities, market conditions, and quality expectations.
Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers that meet Russell Stover’s standards for quality, service, cost, and reliability while building collaborative, high-performing relationships. Lead negotiations for contracts, pricing, and commercial terms to secure favorable agreements that balance cost optimization, quality, and supply assurance.
Partner closely with R&D, Marketing, Operations, Planning, and Quality to align packaging sourcing activities with new product launches, production requirements, quality standards, and inventory goals.
Monitor market trends, supplier performance, capacity constraints, and external factors that could impact supply continuity. Develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans to reduce risk and maintain uninterrupted operations.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance sourcing processes, improve supplier performance, reduce total cost, and strengthen packaging quality and service levels. Use data, scorecards, and performance metrics to identify trends, uncover opportunities, and support informed decision-making and innovation within the packaging category.
Ensure sourcing activities comply with applicable regulations, industry standards, and company policies related to quality, safety, and sustainability. Promote responsible sourcing practices that support Russell Stover’s values and corporate reputation.
Support reporting including savings tracking, KPIs, and supplier metrics.
Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure product quality and maintain compliance with food safety standards.
Complete and follow FSQA training and programs to comply with regulatory requirements, ensure consumer safety, and support the plant’s food safety and quality objectives.
Promptly report and take appropriate action on any observed or potential food safety hazards, process deviations, or non-conformities by notifying the designated plant supervisor, in accordance with your role and responsibilities.
Actively contributes to the continuous improvement of the company’s Food Safety Culture through engagement and actions aligned with your role.