Sourcing Specialist Packaging

DescriptionSourcing Specialist – Packaging

Department: Supply Chain / Procurement
Reports To: Purchasing and Inventory Manager
Location: Naperville Facility
Industry: Frozen Food Manufacturing / Co-Packing
Position Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Sourcing Specialist – Packaging is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing packaging materials required to support manufacturing operations. This position works closely with Procurement, Planning, Production, Quality, R&D, Customer Service, and suppliers to ensure packaging is available on time, at the right quality, and at the best total cost.

The position will manage assigned packaging commodities, develop supplier relationships, negotiate pricing, monitor supplier performance, and support new product launches and packaging changes.

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Sourcing & Procurement

Source packaging materials including cartons, corrugated cases, bags, films, labels, liners, totes, pallets, and other packaging components.
Develop and maintain qualified packaging suppliers.
Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations and negotiate pricing, terms, lead times, MOQs, and payment terms.
Identify opportunities to reduce packaging cost through competitive sourcing, specification changes, volume leverage, and supplier negotiations.
Maintain accurate pricing and supplier information within the ERP system.
Monitor market conditions and identify packaging cost trends and risks.

Supply & Inventory Management

Ensure packaging materials are available to support the production schedule.
Work closely with Planning and Production Scheduling to identify upcoming packaging requirements.
Monitor supplier lead times, minimum order quantities, and inventory levels.
Support appropriate Min/Max, safety stock, and reorder-point levels.
Identify and resolve potential shortages before they impact production.
Coordinate expedited orders when necessary while minimizing premium freight costs.
Help manage obsolete and excess packaging inventory.

Supplier Management

Establish strong relationships with key packaging suppliers.
Monitor supplier performance for:

On-time delivery
Quality
Pricing
Responsiveness
Lead-time adherence

Participate in supplier scorecards and business reviews.
Work with Quality to address packaging defects and corrective actions.
Develop alternate suppliers for critical or high-risk packaging materials.

New Product & Packaging Development

Support R&D and Commercial teams with packaging sourcing for new products.
Obtain quotes and lead times for new packaging components.
Coordinate packaging samples and trials with suppliers.
Support development of packaging specifications, artwork, and revisions.
Ensure packaging changes are communicated to Planning, Production, Quality, and suppliers.
Support BOM development and packaging component setup in the ERP system.

Cost Savings & Continuous Improvement

Develop and execute annual packaging cost-reduction initiatives.
Conduct competitive bidding and supplier comparisons.
Identify opportunities for:

Volume consolidation
Specification optimization
Alternate materials
Alternate suppliers
Freight optimization
Contract pricing
Longer-term supply agreements

Track and report purchasing savings and cost avoidance.

Required Qualifications

3+ years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, procurement, or supply chain.
Experience sourcing packaging materials, preferably within food or consumer products manufacturing.
Strong negotiation and supplier-management skills.
Experience working with ERP systems; Plex experience is a plus.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
Ability to manage multiple suppliers, projects, and priorities.
Strong communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with frozen food, food manufacturing, or co-packing.
Knowledge of corrugated, flexible packaging, cartons, films, labels, and printed materials.
Experience with packaging specifications and artwork.
Experience with supplier scorecards and strategic sourcing.
Understanding of food manufacturing quality and food-safety requirements.
Experience supporting new product introductions.
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred.