Packaging Procurement Specialist

Job Title: Packaging Procurement Specialist

Job Status: full-time, permanent

Work location: Hybrid, US East Coast, ability to travel to Suffolk, VA and/ or Hoboken, NJ

Your role

The Packaging Procurement Specialist will support development and execution of the Global Packaging Sourcing Strategy. Delivering a competitive and differentiated value chain, together with our Suppliers and Internal Stakeholders. This role covers cost competitiveness, innovation, quality & service and sustainability. Collaborate with key stakeholders (Factory, Supply Chain, R&I and Marketing) to transform the value chain to meet the future needs of packaging for our range of tea products.

Your key responsibilities:

• Support implementation of long & short-term supply strategies for tea packaging portfolios at assigned site cluster level for Lipton


• Price forecast based on local & global market trends


• Lead locally managed Packaging categories identifying source of supply based on the tender result


• Price, delivery, payment & contract terms negotiation with current and new suppliers


• Create and run cost saving & payment term improvement projects in accordance with yearly announced targets and intention of over achievement


• Work on programs for Margin Improvement (Net Material Impact) for the Tea Business


• Support Global & Local Innovation & Sustainability packaging programs


• Work closely with Supply Partners to ensure compliance to defined Procurement procedures and adhere to the Code of Business Principles


• Work in an effective, cohesive team environment (Ability to understand all areas of Procurement)


• Work with R&D teams to deliver the next generation of Packaging by creating and executing the technology and innovation agenda


• Support Procurement & Other Cross Functional teams by providing timely and accurately assistance on relevant topics and initiatives as required


• Maintain frequent engagement with strategic and Global suppliers and key business stakeholders, to review/resolve relationship issues and develop future business opportunities (in line with relevant PWP /JBDP programs)


• Work with the Legal Counsel to finalize commercial agreements using relevant contractual operating framework of UPAs/STCs etc

 Stakeholder Management and key interfaces

• Supply Chain Leadership team


• Research & Innovation teams, Cross cluster global and regional R&I and SC function (manufacturing)


• Sustainability team


• Finance team


• Global Strategic Suppliers/Partners


• Local Suppliers / Partners


• Procurement Leadership team


• Global and market Packaging managers

Skills and experience:

• Self-starter with high accountability & responsibility standards.


• Strong analytical and IT skills: advanced Excel, SAP (4HANA/ Ariba) essential.


• Strong stakeholder management skills: build relationships with people across functions, geographies and companies.


• Excellent negotiation skills.


• Strong communication and presentation skills: ability to present key findings in a crisp way and get people onboard.


• Strong project management and organization skills: strong at execution and proactively finding solutions and improvements


• Comfortable in fast paced, fast changing, complex and ambiguous environment


• Must be able to work independently and virtually


• Ideally holds a university degree


• 2-3 years’ experience in packaging procurement or supply chain


• Experience in supplier or customer relationship management


• Experience in supporting and /or managing complex projects


• Experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously


• Experience working with cross-functional teams

Benefits & Perks 

• Comprehensive insurance plans - health, dental + disability and life Insurance


• 401(k) with 5% company matching + an extra 4% after your first year


• Generous time off including 20 days flexible PTO that increases with tenure and company holidays


• Parental Leave - Primary & Secondary

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is an organization committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. We are interested in every individual bringing their whole self to work and this includes you! Therefore if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.