Procurement Specialist - Packaging

Job Description

Business Unit Overview

Feeding the world is what we do how we do it is unique. We are not your textbook consumer packaged goods company. While others may be slow to make change happen, Post continuously drives both inorganic and organic growth.

Our history is evidence of that fact with over 100 years of heritage and growth from brands that transcend generations like Honey Bunches of Oats, Fruity Pebbles, Malt-O-Meal, Bob Evans Farms, Kibbles 'n Bits, Egg Beaters, Peter Pan Peanut Butter, Ronzoni Pasta and more.

Our foodservice and ingredient businesses supply other products you love for brands, restaurants and stores.

Our offices and manufacturing sites are in 62 locations in five countries, and we have 11,500+ employees. Over the past 10 years, Post has made 22+ acquisitions and reached $7 billion in net sales in fiscal 2023.

During turbulent times of market uncertainty, the food industry has provided a level of stability unlike other industries.

Post Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Brentwood, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Our casual professional atmosphere encourages team members to collaborate, innovate and support our operating companies.

Our passion and drive advance the reputation of our operating companies and brands together, we make a difference.

Responsibilities

Overview :

As a Procurement Specialist - Packaging, you will play a vital role in optimizing our packaging procurement processes. You'll collaborate closely with the team and leverage your expertise to execute new and established sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and contribute to cost-effective procurement within your assigned categories.

You will be responsible for optimizing $50-$75 million in annual spend within the assigned categories.

Key Responsibilities :

• Optimize Costs & Added Value :
• Oversee the procurement process for packaging materials, ensuring timely and cost-effective acquisition.
• Manage and optimize packaging spend through cost reduction initiatives, including value analysis and negotiation strategies.
• Partner with internal stakeholders (engineering, design) to ensure packaging specifications are optimized for cost and functionality.
• Implement best practices in contract management, ensuring compliance with terms and conditions.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders (design, engineering, production) to understand packaging needs and ensure alignment with procurement strategies.
• Mitigating Risk & Maintaining Supply Chain Continuity :
• Identify and mitigate potential service disruptions within the packaging supply chain by employing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions to minimize risk and ensure continuity.
• Integrate sustainable practices into the packaging procurement process, considering factors like material recyclability, responsible sourcing, and reduced environmental impact.
• Stay up-to-date on industry regulations and ensure compliance with all relevant packaging standards.
• Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Relationship Management :
• Implement sourcing strategy supported by Procurement Manager / Director for the assigned categories.
• Conduct market research to identify and qualify new suppliers, considering factors like cost, quality, sustainability, and service capabilities.
• Manage relationships with key packaging suppliers, fostering collaboration and driving continuous improvement in terms of pricing, quality, and innovation.
• Negotiate and finalize contracts with suppliers, ensuring favorable terms for price, delivery, quality, and service level agreements (SLAs).
• Conduct supplier performance evaluations, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
• Manage a diversified supplier base to mitigate risk and ensure continuity of supply.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 1+ years of procurement experience with a solid foundation in sourcing and negotiation.
• 1+ years of experience in utilizing performance metrics and root cause analysis techniques.
• 1+ years of experience in project management, including project budget management.
• 1+ years of experience in packaging procurement, with experience in negotiation, sourcing, RFP / RFQ management, contract development, and vendor management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Proficient communication skills (written and verbal) with a focus on clear and concise information delivery.
• Strategic thinking and understanding of business principles, particularly related to cost optimization.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and meet deadlines.
• Solid understanding of procurement best practices, sourcing strategies and project management.
• Analytical skills with the ability to utilize data analysis techniques for problem-solving.
• Ability to contribute to packaging procurement expertise within the team.
• Strong influencing skills and ability to adapt to different situations.
• Experience handling complex situations, providing initial analysis, and escalating as needed.

Travel : up to 25% of role.