Manager, Direct Procurement (Packaging)

The Role 

The Manager, Direct Procurement role for GTI is responsible for partnering with the Procurement, Brand, Marketing and Operations teams and will lead the sourcing and procurement of direct materials to support the company’s needs. This role will be critical to ensure materials are procured in the most cost and time efficient manner by evaluating contracts and vendors while driving reporting and tracking for assigned spend categories. This role will be accountable for driving profit enhancement through negotiations and enabling differentiated product sourcing solutions while maintaining quality and delivery to the business. This role will drive the continuous process of actualizing the best sourced material solutions to achieve organizational goals and efficiencies. 

This is a hybrid role based in Chicago, IL with in office expectations 1-2 days per week. 

Responsibilities 

• Undertakes day-to-day, full-cycle, procurement activities for GTI’s top brands and related categories. 


• Evaluates various solutions available in the market and provides recommendations. Also works closely with engineering, brand, marketing, and the project team to ensure collaboration.  


• Leads the Sourcing Process, including preparing RFI/RFQ/RFPs by working closely with stakeholders to understand their needs, translating that into the sourcing process. 


• Oversees the management of ongoing vendor relationships and supplier performance across their portfolio; acts as a point-of contact and subject matter expert on contract terms; responsible for renewal of existing contracts and renegotiations of pricing.  


• Identifies strategic opportunities which result in cost savings, areas for efficiency and opportunities for Procurement team. 


• Works closely with the accounting team to ensure vendor billing is corrects and terms & conditions are adhered to.  


• Follows procurement strategies, policies and procedures as defined by the leadership team, develops a comprehensive understanding of the business and user requirements for assigned spend categories. 


• Develops a business relationship with functional stakeholders on the Operations, Brand, Marketing & Project teams and solicits feedback on sourcing and vendor performance, shares and discusses supply base opportunities, and identifies new and changed needs. 


• Builds a network of reliable and quality suppliers and vendors; forges close supplier relationships with specific vendors. 


• Helps drive tracking and reporting for assigned spend areas; develops tracking mechanisms and supplier key performance indicators with the Director; tracks compliance and develops leakage reports; supports formal management reporting to director and other members of senior management. 


• Manages complex negotiations with suppliers that require a detailed strategic plan. 


• Monitors status of open purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery of all materials, including timely resolution, communication, and mitigation of future potential problems. 


• Determines and establishes optimal inventory levels based on forecast, demand variation and equipment lead times.  


• Supports the development of cross-functional teams by identifying internal customers and stakeholders for inclusion; interfaces with internal customers to understand requirements and resolves issues; involves key stakeholders in sourcing development and execution. 


• Identifies and partners with business stakeholders to execute cost reduction opportunities to achieve financial goals without compromising quality or service. 


• Directly manage and mentor a team of Procurement Planners 

Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field: business, supply chain, finance 


• 5+ years in packaging procurement (on-shore, near shore and global) and contract administration/management; experience purchasing direct materials (packaging, ingredients, etc.).  


• 3+ years people management experience 


• Expertise in the supplier market landscapes: major suppliers, trends, threats, terms, etc. 


• Hands-on expertise in developing and implementing programs for cost reduction, supplier performance management and inventory reduction and well-versed in all stages of procurement. 


• APICS or Supply Chain Certification is preferred. 


• Highly motivated, self-directed, innovative, and able to work independently or among teams with keen judgement, common sense and resourcefulness. 


• Adapts and thrives in a demanding, start-up, fast-paced environment. 


• Superior communication and interpersonal skills (verbal, non-verbal, written), with the ability to build relationships at all levels, both internally and externally. 


• Possesses a high level of critical thinking & problem solving. 


• Operates with a high level of professionalism and integrity, including dealing with confidential information. 

Additional Requirements 

• Must pass any and all required background checks  


• Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry  


• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age 


• Ability to travel up to 15% 

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