Packaging Procurement Specialist Direct Hire Opportunity | Superior Skilled Trades Location: Hackettstown, NJ Salary: $25 - $35/hr depending on experience Schedule: Monday–Friday | Some flexibility for earlier or later hours may be required Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire | Onsite Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance Job Overview Superior Skilled Trades is partnered with a rapidly growing food manufacturing company seeking an experienced Packaging Procurement Manager to join its team in Hackettstown, NJ. This position is responsible for managing the sourcing, purchasing, inventory planning, and timely delivery of packaging materials used in manufacturing operations, with a primary focus on flexible packaging, including printed pouches, bags, and other custom-designed packaging materials. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in packaging procurement, supplier management, and inventory forecasting, along with experience managing packaging specifications, artwork, and vendor relationships. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented procurement professional who enjoys negotiating supplier agreements, optimizing material costs, and supporting efficient production operations within a growing consumer packaged goods (CPG) company.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the sourcing, purchasing, and delivery of primary packaging materials, including flexible packaging, printed pouches, bags, and other custom-designed packaging products.
- Coordinate procurement of secondary packaging materials, including shipping boxes and related supplies.
- Develop and maintain material forecasts using sales projections, historical product demand, and production schedules.
- Calculate packaging material requirements by SKU to ensure adequate inventory levels and prevent production interruptions.
- Establish ordering schedules and inventory buffers based on supplier lead times and production requirements.
- Place purchase orders, monitor order status, and coordinate timely deliveries with suppliers.
- Maintain strong vendor relationships and proactively resolve delivery delays, shortages, and supply chain issues.
- Negotiate supplier pricing, purchasing terms, and agreements to optimize material costs without compromising quality.
- Review supplier contracts and identify opportunities for cost savings and procurement process improvements.
- Coordinate with production and warehouse teams to maintain accurate inventory records and appropriate stock levels.
- Inspect incoming packaging materials to verify compliance with established specifications and quality standards.
- Communicate packaging defects, material discrepancies, and quality concerns to suppliers and coordinate corrective actions.
- Maintain accurate packaging specifications, artwork files, proofs, and supplier documentation.
- Coordinate packaging artwork updates and ensure vendors receive accurate, approved designs and specifications.
- Maintain detailed records of packaging dimensions, materials, print specifications, and approved artwork.
- Utilize Excel, Google Sheets, and ERP/MRP systems to track inventory, forecast purchasing needs, and analyze procurement costs.
- Collaborate with production, quality assurance, warehouse, and operations teams to support manufacturing schedules.
- Identify opportunities to improve procurement efficiency, inventory accuracy, supplier performance, and overall supply chain operations.
- Support additional purchasing, operational, and administrative responsibilities as business needs evolve.
Requirements
- Minimum 3 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, vendor management, or packaging supplier operations.
- Direct experience with graphic-designed packaging materials, including printed pouches, bags, or boxes, is required.
- Experience purchasing flexible packaging for a consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturer OR working in account management, operations, or a related role for a packaging supplier.
- Strong understanding of packaging specifications, material requirements, supplier lead times, and purchasing processes.
- Familiarity with packaging artwork, print specifications, Pantone colors, and graphic design tools such as Adobe Illustrator.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to calculate material requirements, develop forecasts, and manage inventory projections.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets, including spreadsheet calculations, data analysis, and reporting.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems for purchasing, inventory tracking, or material planning.
- Strong negotiation, vendor management, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple purchase orders, projects, and deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- High attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate purchasing records and packaging specifications.
- Ability to work independently and coordinate effectively with vendors and internal departments.
- Ability to reliably commute to Hackettstown, NJ for an onsite position.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
- Experience in food and beverage, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or related manufacturing industries.
- Background in flexible packaging procurement, printed packaging production, or packaging supplier account management.
- Experience managing packaging artwork approvals, proofs, print specifications, and supplier coordination.
- Strong understanding of inventory optimization, demand forecasting, and material requirements planning.
- Experience negotiating supplier contracts and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Interest in food manufacturing, health, wellness, or consumer products.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods when working in production or warehouse areas.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry materials as required.
- Ability to use stairs and ladders within a manufacturing facility.
- Comfortable working in hot, humid, wet, and industrial production environments when necessary.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, hearing protection, face shields, respirators, and protective clothing as needed.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Opportunity for professional growth and advancement into expanded procurement leadership responsibilities.
- Potential to oversee a growing procurement team as the company expands.
- Opportunity to gain additional exposure to finance and accounts payable operations.
- Health and wellness-focused workplace culture.
- Collaborative, team-oriented work environment.
- Employee product perks.
Superior Skilled Trades is seeking experienced procurement professionals with strong flexible packaging knowledge, vendor management experience, and the ability to support efficient manufacturing operations. Apply today to learn more about this direct-hire opportunity in Hackettstown, NJ!
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