Buyer

Buyer This role is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing packaging materials and services required to support production and plant facility operations. Manage all buying activities for resins, masterbatch and liners as specified from Group level. The role ensures optimal inventory levels are maintained to support production schedules while balancing order quantities, storage capacity and material shelf life.This role works closely with suppliers, Production Planning, and Quality teams to maintain high service levels, ensure material availability, and support efficient production operations.Key ResponsibilitiesBuying ActivitiesManage purchasing activities for Group-level suppliers; resin, masterbatch and linersPrepare and communicate forecast requirements to suppliers to support production planningIssue purchase orders and managing the purchase order lifecycleMonitor production schedules and adjust open purchase orders (expedite/de-expedite) as requiredIdentify potential supply risks and recommend mitigation plans to ensure continuity of supplyIdentify opportunities for cost reduction and supply chain optimizationProcurement ActivitiesIdentify and develop alternative sourcing options for packaging materials and plant consumablesNegotiation of pricing, payment terms and supply agreements with suppliersPrepare and communicate forecast requirements to suppliers to support production planningIssue purchase orders and manage the purchase order lifecycle process efficiently Monitor production schedules and adjust open orders (expedite/de-expedite) as requiredIdentify supply risks, recommend and implement plans for mitigationEnsure compliance with approved supplier agreementsObtain supplier quotations for projects, evaluate supply options, and provide purchasing recommendationsIdentify opportunities for cost reduction and supply chain optimizationInventory ManagementMonitor and report slow-moving and aged inventoryInvestigate root causes for excess and slow-moving inventory, recommend and implement disposition plansMaintain current reconciliation for CHEP pallet inventory Identify and initiate enhancements to improve reporting tools for operational visibility and decision-makingSupplier ManagementManage plant level supplier relationships, including sourcing, supplier validation and ongoing performance management Support the management of supplier relationships with Group-level suppliers for resins, masterbatch and liners in alignment with Group ProcurementDevelop and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers to support operational and strategic objectivesSupport supplier audits with Quality groupManage the internal supplier non-conformance process, ensuring corrective actions are implemented, claims are submitted and issues are properly recorded in SAPWork with suppliers to resolve quality, service or delivery issuesMonitor, record and communicate supplier performance including quality, on-time delivery and service levelsMaintain and update the internal Approved Supplier ListData and System ManagementMaintain accurate purchasing and supplier master data within the ERP systemMaintain standard costs in QAD to reflect current costs and exchange Assist with resolving supplier invoice discrepanciesOther ResponsibilitiesTravel domestically and internationally up to 5% as requiredParticipate in the See It, Sort It, Report It continuous improvement programEnsure compliance with all company policies related to quality, food safety, safety, and environmental standardsReport any quality, food safety, safety, or environmental issues to the appropriate manager or supervisorRequired Qualifications and ExperienceEducationPost-secondary education in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, or a related disciplineProfessional certifications such as APICS CPIM, CSCP, or Supply Chain certification are considered an assetMinimum 3–5 years of experience in materials planning, production planning, procurement, or supply chain operations within a manufacturing environmentExperience working with Material Requirements Planning (MRP) or ERP systems, preferably SAPProven experience managing suppliers, RFQs, cost analysis and negotiationsExperience working cross-functionally including Production, Maintenance, Sales, QualitySkills and CompetenciesStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisionsAdvanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience working with reporting tools such as QlikView or similar BI platformsStrong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentExcellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and suppliersHigh attention to detail with strong data accuracy and system disciplineAbility to anticipate supply risks and develop mitigation strategiesSelf-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team