Sourcing Specialist Packaging

Sourcing Specialist – Packaging Department: Supply Chain / Procurement

Reports To: Purchasing and Inventory Manager

Location: Naperville Facility

Industry: Frozen Food Manufacturing / Co-Packing

Position Type: Full-Time

Position Summary The Sourcing Specialist – Packaging is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing packaging materials required to support manufacturing operations. This position works closely with Procurement, Planning, Production, Quality, R&D, Customer Service, and suppliers to ensure packaging is available on time, at the right quality, and at the best total cost .

The position will manage assigned packaging commodities, develop supplier relationships, negotiate pricing, monitor supplier performance, and support new product launches and packaging changes.

Key Responsibilities Packaging Sourcing & Procurement

• Source packaging materials including cartons, corrugated cases, bags, films, labels, liners, totes, pallets, and other packaging components.
• Develop and maintain qualified packaging suppliers.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations and negotiate pricing, terms, lead times, MOQs, and payment terms.
• Identify opportunities to reduce packaging cost through competitive sourcing, specification changes, volume leverage, and supplier negotiations.
• Maintain accurate pricing and supplier information within the ERP system.
• Monitor market conditions and identify packaging cost trends and risks.

Supply & Inventory Management

• Ensure packaging materials are available to support the production schedule.
• Work closely with Planning and Production Scheduling to identify upcoming packaging requirements.
• Monitor supplier lead times, minimum order quantities, and inventory levels.
• Support appropriate Min/Max, safety stock, and reorder-point levels.
• Identify and resolve potential shortages before they impact production.
• Coordinate expedited orders when necessary while minimizing premium freight costs.
• Help manage obsolete and excess packaging inventory.

Supplier Management

• Establish strong relationships with key packaging suppliers.

• Monitor supplier performance for:

• On-time delivery

• Quality

• Pricing

• Responsiveness

• Lead-time adherence

• Participate in supplier scorecards and business reviews.

• Work with Quality to address packaging defects and corrective actions.

• Develop alternate suppliers for critical or high-risk packaging materials.

New Product & Packaging Development

• Support R&D and Commercial teams with packaging sourcing for new products.
• Obtain quotes and lead times for new packaging components.
• Coordinate packaging samples and trials with suppliers.
• Support development of packaging specifications, artwork, and revisions.
• Ensure packaging changes are communicated to Planning, Production, Quality, and suppliers.
• Support BOM development and packaging component setup in the ERP system.

Cost Savings & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and execute annual packaging cost-reduction initiatives.

• Conduct competitive bidding and supplier comparisons.

• Identify opportunities for:

• Volume consolidation

• Specification optimization

• Alternate materials

• Alternate suppliers

• Freight optimization

• Contract pricing

• Longer-term supply agreements

• Track and report purchasing savings and cost avoidance.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, procurement, or supply chain.
• Experience sourcing packaging materials, preferably within food or consumer products manufacturing.
• Strong negotiation and supplier-management skills.
• Experience working with ERP systems; Plex experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple suppliers, projects, and priorities.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with frozen food, food manufacturing, or co-packing.
• Knowledge of corrugated, flexible packaging, cartons, films, labels, and printed materials.
• Experience with packaging specifications and artwork.
• Experience with supplier scorecards and strategic sourcing.
• Understanding of food manufacturing quality and food-safety requirements.
• Experience supporting new product introductions.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred.