Procurement Associate

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At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We're one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world's most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities.

With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry's best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.

If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we'd love to hear from you.

A World of Difference. Made Possible.

Job Summary

Ensure that organization receives quality parts, on time, at a fair price consistent with company objectives. Maintain corporate relationships, facilitate related deployments and initiatives. Maintain good working relationships with suppliers in line with lean manufacturing practices. Purchase raw materials, equipment, supplies, and services which meet the organization's cost, quality and delivery goals. Maintains SAP records, procedure and Policies associated to the Purchasing area. Participates as an active member of the Supply chain team and contributes to continuous improvement process. Supervises Buyers and other Purchasing support staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage procurement process from Requisition, through Purchase order entry and receiving in line with corporate policy to insure a smooth flow to completion in the Accounts Payable process. To include resolution of receiving and pricing issues that impede payment.

• Maintain accurate and complete records of all material transactions including purchases, analyzes and works to reduce purchase price variance.

• Responsible for maintaining integrated computer system data in SAP as specified; including pricing, purchase orders and contracts.

• Support Corporate Sourcing Initiatives through implementation.

• Works with Product Development / Technical Group to evaluate and develop new products and sources of supply.

• Direct purchasing of raw materials and finishing supplies necessary for operations.

• Reviews and negotiates proposals for price, delivery time and quality.

• Institutes and promotes cost reduction projects.

• Completes SAP pricing management and workflow details associated to PO oversight.

• Material master set-up and maintenance

• Quality complaint and return management. Resolution of supplier issues tied to stores inventories.

• Supplier Management System oversight; including tracking of manufacturing run schedules and transportation issues. Provide forecasts as needed. Working with Quality Manager and Technical oversee communication and tracking of quality issues to resolution including receipt of credits.

• Review material request from Planner and order materials as needed to assure availability. Maintain communication with supplier and Planner as to status of the order.

• Process requests for literature, data sheets, MSDS, GHS & FDA regulatory compliance and samples in line with Government and Corporate policies.

• MSDS, GHS and Data sheet management; work with Technical and Environmental departments to ensure up to date documents are on file from supplier.

• Maintains communication between Purchasing, Technical, Planning and manufacturing regarding necessary inventory levels.

• Create and maintain monthly report as needed.

• PO filing & file maintenance

• Facilitation of ordering of Finishing supplies

• Expedite deliveries as necessary

• Participate in identifying cost reduction opportunities in order to meet cost reduction targets.

• Assist in meeting on time shipments of 95% or better.

• Assists in achieving company goals as needed

• Vendor management - setup, maintain and monitor

• Publishes monthly MEA data

• Assist in achieving equipment downtime initiatives

• Assist in achieving annual key elements for Strategic Initiatives

• Supports Continuous Improvement cost reduction initiatives

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or Associates degree and five years equivalent job experience

• At least 5 years purchasing experience within Converting, Paper or related industries

• Inventory, materials and planning knowledge including JIT, MRP and CPIM

• Must have understanding of material specification in terms of UOM, quality and technical requirements

• Knowledge and understanding of BOM structures, standard costing systems, and purchasing processes

• Knowledge of and demonstrated math skills, experience with UOM conversions.

• Ability to follow instruction both verbal & written and complete assignments on time

• Working knowledge of computer and proficiency with computer programs within the Microsoft office applications

• Able to provide direction and training to peers as needed.

• Proficiency and consistency in organizational management

• Must be detail oriented and self-motivated, able to work with minimal supervision in a rapidly changing environment.

• Must have proven ability to work in a manufacturing environment

• Must have good people skills and be able to work with variety of types of staff to coordinate supplies and services for all levels of the organization.

• Attention to detail and an analytical nature.

• Ability to prioritize tasks in an environment of changing needs and deadlines

• Ability to exercise good judgment and make accurate and timely decisions relative to area (s) of responsibility

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Desired Skills and Experience

• APICS (CPIM) certification

• Previous Supervisory experience

• SAP ERP software proficiency

• Demonstrated skill in production or supplier scheduling

• Knowledge of Continuous Improvement concepts

• Familiar with new production introduction processes or systems

• Quality management knowledge; including statistical quality control

• Ability to think strategically and translate into pragmatic, cost-effective operational plans

Graphic Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decision on an employee's or applicant's race, color, religion, age, gender or sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, genetic information, disability, veteran/military status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Click here to view the Poster, EEO is the Law.

Nearest Major Market: Chicago