Sr. Buyer Rigid Plastic

Select Division • Chicago, IL

11d

About The Position

Lactalis USA is hiring a Senior Buyer, Rigid Plastic, based in Chicago, Illinois. The position develops and executes sourcing strategies for packaging categories, manages supplier relationships, negotiates commercial agreements, identifies cost-reduction opportunities, and ensures continuity of supply across Lactalis North America. The role also covers strategic sourcing, supplier performance management, market intelligence, risk mitigation, contract management, budget support, and continuous improvement. The Senior Buyer collaborates with Plant Operations, Packaging Development, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, and the Global Procurement Team to align work with company goals and values.

The position supports plant locations with supply issues, establishes consistent purchasing practices, and works with suppliers and internal teams to improve quality, performance, and total cost of ownership. Travel and extended or off-work hours may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Five or more years of purchasing experience.
• Supplier management experience, including procurement cost management, negotiation strategies and tools, and procurement budgeting and control.

Nice To Haves

• A degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, or a related field is preferred.
• Packaging purchasing experience, preferably with a food manufacturing company.

Responsibilities

• Prepare bid proposals, negotiate pricing contracts, analyze and summarize supplier responses, and execute final supplier contracts.
• Communicate changes in purchasing policies, commercial agreements, and procedures, including recommended ordering patterns.
• Review, approve, and issue supplier pricing grids.
• Assist plant replenishment teams at all plant locations with supply issues involving suppliers, purchases, and policies.
• Develop supplier relationships to optimize quality and performance, continuous improvement, innovation, and total cost of ownership.
• Lead supplier business reviews and review supplier scorecards and supplier non-conformance results.
• Support plant buyers in resolving non-conformance concerns.
• Develop and execute procedures that promote consistent purchasing practices across plant locations and consolidate purchases to maximize volume discounts.
• Complete monthly savings tracking reports for savings, value analysis, and negotiations.
• Assist the manager in developing an annual savings target.
• Source and qualify suppliers with Quality Assurance and Packaging Development, including through site visits.
• Compile, organize, and maintain detailed information used to evaluate new and existing suppliers.
• Analyze market and delivery conditions to determine current and future material availability and pricing.
• Work with corporate purchasing employees to help achieve purchasing goals.
• Travel and work extended or off-work hours when required.

Benefits

• Affordable benefits and coverage options through a comprehensive Total Rewards Program.
• Company support for insurance costs.
• Contributions to retirement plans.
• Paid Time Off from day one.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Education reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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