Sourcing Manager - Packaging Materials

Russell Stover•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

The Sourcing Manager for Packaging Materials leads sourcing for high-quality packaging solutions, including candy trays, bags, wrappers, tins, and other specialty materials, with a primary focus on plastics and other critical packaging components used in chocolate production. The role develops sourcing strategies, negotiates contracts, and manages supplier relationships to maintain reliable supply while optimizing cost and quality. It works closely with R&D, Marketing, Operations, and Quality Assurance to align sourcing with production schedules, quality needs, and inventory management; anticipate market trends; mitigate supply risks; and drive continuous improvement. The manager monitors supplier performance, market trends, and geopolitical developments, and implements mitigation strategies and contingency plans. The role also ensures compliance with applicable regulations, industry standards, and company policies concerning sourcing, quality, and sustainability, and champions ethical sourcing practices. When visiting manufacturing plants, the employee must follow GMP and FSQA training and programs, report food safety hazards or non-conformities to the designated plant supervisor, and support the company’s Food Safety Culture. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field; additional experience and qualifications will be considered.
At least 3 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management.
Demonstrated success 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.
Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze data and derive actionable insights.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite and ERP systems.
Ability to communicate in English fluently in speaking, reading, and writing, with or without an accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience in the food or confectionery industry.
Experience with international sourcing, primarily in Southeast Asia or China.
Experience with sourcing software or tools.
Experience in plastic and flexible packaging.
Experience working cross-functionally with R&D, Marketing, QA, and Operations teams.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute sourcing strategies for packaging materials that align with company objectives, market conditions, and quality standards.
Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers, and maintain collaborative supplier relationships.
Negotiate supplier contracts, pricing, and terms to balance cost optimization and quality assurance.
Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Operations, and Quality Assurance to align sourcing with production schedules, quality requirements, and inventory management.
Monitor market trends, supplier performance, and geopolitical developments to anticipate risks and disruptions.
Implement risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans to support uninterrupted supply chain operations.
Drive sourcing improvements to reduce costs, improve quality, and enhance supplier performance.
Use data analytics and performance metrics to identify process improvements and innovation opportunities.
Ensure compliance with applicable sourcing, quality, sustainability, regulatory, industry, and company requirements; champion ethical sourcing practices.
When visiting manufacturing plants, follow GMP and FSQA requirements, report food safety hazards and non-conformities, and support the plant’s food safety objectives and the company’s Food Safety Culture.
Perform other duties as assigned.