Position: Packaging Procurement Manager
Department: Procurement
Reports To: VP of Procurement & Sustainability
Location: Chicago, IL (walking distance to Union Station)
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days in office: Tues, Wed, Thu)
Approximately 15-20% travel required to visit suppliers, manufacturing sites, and industry events
Compensation: $100,000 – $120,000 base salary + 10% target bonus
Position Overview:
The Procurement Packaging Manager is responsible for overseeing the strategic procurement of packaging materials necessary for Company’s production operations. This role will develop and implement packaging procurement strategies, manage supplier relationships, ensure compliance with quality and sustainability standards, and optimize costs while maintaining packaging integrity and innovation. Reporting to the Head of Procurement, this position will collaborate closely with operations, R&D, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to ensure packaging solutions support business objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Packaging Procurement:
- Develop and implement packaging procurement strategies to ensure timely and cost- effective acquisition of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging materials
- Manage supplier relationships for packaging vendors, negotiate contracts, and evaluate supplier performance on quality, delivery, and innovation
- Monitor packaging industry trends, material innovations, and identify opportunities for cost savings and sustainability improvements
- Conduct risk assessments for packaging supply chain and develop contingency plans to mitigate disruptions
- Prepare and manage packaging procurement budgets, forecasts, and cost analysis reports
Quality & Compliance:
- Ensure packaging materials meet food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and quality specifications
- Partner with quality assurance and R&D teams to validate packaging specifications and conduct supplier audits
- Implement sustainable packaging practices aligned with company environmental goals and customer expectations
- Drive continuous improvement in packaging procurement processes, supplier scorecards, and material specifications
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Collaborate with production, R&D, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to ensure packaging solutions support operational efficiency
- Support new product development initiatives with packaging recommendations, cost analysis, and supplier sourcing
- Work with marketing and brand teams on packaging design considerations that balance aesthetics, functionality, and cost
- Coordinate with finance on packaging cost projections, variance analysis, and budget planning
Supplier & Vendor Management:
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with packaging suppliers and vendors
- Conduct regular business reviews with key suppliers to drive performance improvements and innovation
- Lead supplier qualification process, including site visits, capability assessments, and contract negotiations
- Manage dispute resolution and performance issues with packaging suppliers
Qualifications:
Experience:
- 5+ years of progressive experience in packaging procurement, preferably within the food or consumer packaged goods industry
- Proven track record of managing packaging supplier relationships and negotiating contracts
- Strong understanding of food-grade packaging materials, regulations, and quality standards
- Experience with sustainable packaging initiatives and circular economy principles
- Demonstrated success in achieving cost savings and supply chain efficiency improvements
Skills & Abilities:
- Strategic thinking with ability to translate market trends into actionable packaging procurement strategies
- Advanced negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail
- Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders
- Project management skills with ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Packaging Engineering, or related field required
- Professional certifications (CPM, CPSM, or related) preferred
For immediate consideration, please email your resume to Cameron at cameronwall@ifgus.com