Job Description

Purchasing Manager
Reports to Vice President Vendor Relations

Job Description

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for managing and optimizing purchasing activities for a diverse network of packaging suppliers, ensuring continuity of supply, competitive pricing, and operational efficiency. This role manages stock inventory procurement, develops and strengthens supplier relationships, negotiates pricing and payment terms, and sources new or hard-to-find packaging solutions. The Purchasing Manager will also support custom mold programs and collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure cost-effective and timely supply of components.

The ideal candidate is an experienced, strategic purchaser with strong negotiation abilities, vendor management skills, and the ability to navigate a fast-paced environment. They should have experience in day-to-day departmental management and be able to work with management-level staff to develop and implement company goals and strategies.

Essential Functions

Procurement & Inventory Management

• Maintain optimal stock levels across a diverse portfolio of packaging components.
• Execute purchase orders with accuracy and timeliness to support customer demand and forecasted needs.
• Monitor supplier lead times, shipment statuses, and inventory performance to prevent disruptions.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Manage and maintain relationships with a broad network of manufacturers and supplier partners.
• Conduct regular business reviews with key suppliers to improve service, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Evaluate supplier performance and recommend changes or alternatives when necessary.
• Must be able to travel to suppliers and industry events when necessary.

Negotiation & Financial Accountability

• Negotiate pricing, volume discounts, freight terms, and extended payment terms.
• Collaborate with Finance to align supplier terms with company cash‑flow goals.
• Support purchasing budgets and contribute to cost‑reduction strategies.

Sourcing & Market Intelligence

• Identify, vet, and onboard new suppliers to support company growth and specialty packaging needs.
• Source hard-to-find or custom packaging components, ensuring technical and quality requirements are met.
• Stay informed on industry trends, material costs, global supply chain issues, and competitive pricing.

Custom Tooling & Mold Agreements

• Support negotiations and documentation for custom mold or tooling agreements in coordination with Sales, Finance, and the VP Vendor Relations.
• Work cross-functionally with Sales and Project Management throughout development and implementation.

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Recommend improvements to purchasing processes, systems, and vendor management tools.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, pricing files, and supplier documentation.

Additional Responsibilities

• Represent Kaufman Container at assigned vendor meetings and seminars.
• Maintain Kaufman culture and integrity in all dealings with both suppliers and customers.
• Conduct oneself professionally and ethically as a representative of Kaufman Container.
• Serve as a key contributor within Kaufman Container's management structure.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in manufacturing, distribution, or a packaging-related environment.
• Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Proven success in supplier negotiation and long‑term vendor relationship management.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency with purchasing systems, ERP platforms, and Excel.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Experience in the packaging industry or familiarity with packaging materials, components, or manufacturing processes.
• Experience with international suppliers and global supply chain dynamics.
• Knowledge of custom molds, tooling agreements, or engineered packaging components.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Negotiation
• Supplier Management
• Inventory Optimization
• Cost Reduction & Budgeting
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management
• Problem Solving

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