Packaging Procurement Specialist at Airlite Plastics Co.

SUMMARY

The Packaging Procurement Specialist is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing packaging materials that support safe, efficient, and sustainable operations. This role ensures all packaging solutions meet food safety regulations, sustainability commitments, cost targets, and brand standards. The Specialist partners closely with R&D, Operations, Quality, and Marketing teams to deliver compliant, innovative packaging that protects product integrity and enhances consumer experience.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Source and procure secondary and tertiary food packaging materials, including cartons, pouches, films, trays, labels, closures, and pallets.

• Negotiate supplier contracts, pricing, and service-level agreements to optimize total cost while ensuring supply reliability and quality.

• Partner with cross functional teams to support new product launches, packaging redesigns, and shelf-life improvement projects.

• Ensure all packaging materials comply with applicable food safety regulations (FDA, USDA, EU, or equivalent) and internal quality standards.

• Ensure supplier performance through structured KPIs, periodic audits, and regular business reviews; drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.

• Monitor packaging market trends, raw material cost drivers (paper, plastics, aluminum, glass), and supply chain risks; develop proactive mitigation strategies.

• Participate in engineering initiatives to improve packaging efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and material sustainability without compromising quality.

• Advance corporate sustainability goals by sourcing eco-friendly materials (recyclable, biodegradable, lightweight) and reducing overall environmental impact.

• Maintain accurate procurement records, demand forecasts, and spend reporting within ERP systems; provide regular updates to leadership.

• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers, co-packers, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and business continuity.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This role does not have personnel supervisory responsibilities; however, this role includes working with cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

/ CERTIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.

• Minium of three (3) years of procurement experience, preferably in corrugated materials, food & beverage, or CPG packaging.

• Strong working knowledge of food packaging materials and technologies (e.g., aseptic, MAP, barrier films, closures).

• Familiarity with food safety regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements (e.g., FDA, SQF, HACCP, BRCGS).

• Demonstrated negotiation skills and supplier relationship management experience.

• Experience with sustainable packaging solutions in food and beverage applications preferred.

• Procurement or supply chain certification (CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent) preferred.

• Project management experience leading packaging-related initiatives across cross-functional teams.

• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent) and the Microsoft 365 suite.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Understanding of consumer trends and the role packaging plays in brand perception and purchase behavior.

• Capability to solve complex problems, utilizing strong analytical, critical thinking and problem solving skills to make decisions

• Superior organizational skills and the ability to assemble resources needed to orchestrate multiple projects/activities and accomplish goals

• Model a collaborative leadership style with the ability to build partnerships and influence others into action

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills

• Outstanding presentation and facilitation skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and consultative approach; tactful in dealing with people at all levels

• Strong sense of urgency, self-motivated and positive

• Flexible and adaptable; able to work in ambiguous situations

• Ability to actively lead change initiatives

• Display highest ethical standards

• Maintain the utmost level of confidentiality in dealing with sensitive information

• Detail oriented, with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand; walk; use hand dexterity to operate office equipment including computer keyboards; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the office work environment is typically quiet; when visiting the production floor the noise level may be loud.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS

All positions must have a current Job Hazard Analysis attached to the job description. See the JHA for Office Staff, located on the Company Intranet: Corporate Services> Safety> Job Hazard Analysis> JHA Office