Packaging Buyer

Education: National Diploma or BCom equivalent in Logistics, Procurement Management, Supply Chain, or a related discipline. Requirements: Minimum 5 years experience in purchasing within a manufacturing environment. At least 3 years in a packaging procurement role, preferably within FMCG. Job Responsibilities: Sourcing Strategy: Develop and maintain a sourcing strategy for each key packaging category, ensuring it reflects market dynamics and is updated as conditions evolve. Communicate sourcing strategies with key stakeholders, clearly outlining expected business outcomes. Engage cross-functional support (e.g., Research & Development, Quality, Marketing) to ensure alignment and support for packaging-related value initiatives. Maintain an external perspective on packaging trends, innovations, competitor sourcing practices, and factors affecting supply continuity or cost structures. Sourcing of Packaging Materials and Suppliers: Source packaging materials from approved vendors in line with standard packaging approval procedures. Identify and onboard new packaging suppliers using sound procurement practices that consider cost, sustainability, lead time, and supplier reliability. Continuously review and rationalise the supplier base to leverage scale and improve efficiencies. Act as the primary point of contact for packaging suppliers on commercial and supply-related matters, coordinating with Quality and other relevant departments as needed. Manage procurement in accordance with the MRP (Materials Requirements Planning) to ensure timely and accurate order placement. Ensure supplier confirmations and delivery commitments are captured accurately in the ERP system. Monitor delivery timelines and follow up to ensure packaging availability for production and stores. Expedite or de-expedite packaging orders in response to forecast changes or production requirements. Promptly communicate supply risks or delays to planning and operations teams and implement mitigation plans. Cost and Price Management: Negotiate supplier price adjustments, ensuring proper justification, notice, and Executive approval. Identify and drive cost-saving opportunities in collaboration with internal stakeholders and packaging suppliers. Continuously monitor cost drivers such as resin prices, board grade changes, or transportation costs to proactively manage budget risks. Prepare packaging cost forecasts and support financial planning initiatives. Supplier Relationship & Compliance Management: Ensure packaging suppliers provide all necessary compliance documentation (e.g., specifications, declarations, questionnaires). Work closely with Quality to maintain accurate and current supplier records in line with quality standards. Facilitate new supplier onboarding in accordance with financial and procurement procedures. Schedule regular supplier reviews to discuss service levels, stock availability, upcoming changes, and potential disruptions. Imported Packaging Materials Management: Oversee procurement of imported packaging to ensure availability and avoid overstocking. Coordinate with distributing agents, producers, and clearing agents to minimise demurrage, storage, or inspection penalties. Issue accurate clearing instructions for overseas packaging shipments. Communicate FOREX requirements to Finance and follow import procedures accordingly. Quality and Continuous Improvement: Align procurement activities with company quality standards and regulatory requirements. Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities related to packaging supply, cost, or process efficiency. Collaborate with Quality and suppliers to close out non-conformances timeously. Ensure only approved packaging suppliers are used, as per the Approved Supplier List. Maintain and report on packaging savings initiatives through a structured register. Lead projects aimed at optimising packaging costs and value, engaging internal teams and suppliers to achieve transparent and effective outcomes. Support working capital improvement efforts through strategic inventory management and negotiation of favourable supplier terms.

Location: Germiston, ZA

Posted Date: 5/27/2025