Position Summary:

Responsible for overseeing MZB-USA's packaging purchases across all areas of the business. This includes creating purchasing strategies for each category, along with the Sr. Director of Procurement, and assisting with the development and management of the procurement strategies for flexible, rigid, corrugate and paper-related materials.

The person in this role is accountable for a budget of over forty million annually and will work closely with all areas of the organization -- and at all levels of the organization -- to fulfill objectives. Additionally, the Purchasing Manager manages one direct report - ensuring performance enhancements while coaching and mentoring for further development.

Job Duties:
• Lead the development and execution of supplier category strategies, including category review schedules, RFQs, and contract negotiations across all purchasing categories
• Partner cross-functionally with internal stakeholders at all levels, including Corporate Brands, Retail, Marketing, R&D, and Manufacturing
• Manage end-to-end RFQ processes, including proposal evaluation, supplier selection, and award of business
• Negotiate and manage packaging agreements, ensuring proactive renewals and optimal commercial terms
• Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships while driving performance in cost, quality, and delivery
• Lead quarterly supplier business reviews and executive-level "top-to-top" meetings
• Ensure supplier compliance with quality and food safety standards, including SQF and HACCP requirements
• Drive packaging innovation by identifying new materials, technologies, and concepts, and presenting them to Marketing and cross-functional teams
• Identify and develop new supplier sources aligned with innovation, cost, and supply continuity objectives
• Resolve supplier-related issues impacting operations by collaborating with Manufacturing and leveraging supplier partnerships
• Monitor supplier performance and maintain an effective vendor management program with defined KPIs
• Analyze market trends and develop risk mitigation strategies related to packaging materials and supplycontinuity
• Drive cost reduction and productivity improvement initiatives across assigned categories
• Support strategic sourcing initiatives,material flow improvements,and continuous improvement projects
• Manage MRP-related purchasing activities for printed packaging and other direct materials,including labels, films, and flavors
• Monitor plant usage and forecast demand to optimize buying strategies and inventory levels
• Promote procurement best practices while balancing cost efficiency and service levels
• Lead, coach, and develop team members to achieve high performance and alignment with organizational goals

Qualifications & Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field
• CPM is strongly desired
• 10+ years of purchasing experience in a food / beverage or consumer products environment
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical and process management skills
• Negotiating experience or influencing skills are required
• Strong knowledge of CPG packaging required
• Strong ability to coach, lead, and mentor
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing at all levels of the organization

Food Safety Requirements and Responsibilities:

Must comply with all Federal, State, Corporate, Warehouse and Food Safety standards, policies, and guidelines (i.e., HACCP, GMP, SQF, FDA, etc.)

General Statement

This is a description of the general duties and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position andnot the only duties performed.