Packing Specialist

Job Overview: 

The Packaging Specialist is responsible for managing, developing, and optimizing returnable and expendable packaging solutions for our customers. This role ensures packaging meets quality, safety, and logistics requirements while supporting efficient production and shipping processes. The Packaging Specialist will collaborate closely with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to test, order, receive, control, and track packaging materials, as well as design new packaging when specifications are not provided and serve as a backup of shipping functions. 

Key Responsibilities: 

1. New Parts & Packaging Proposals 

• Receive new part numbers and daily demand requirements from customers and determine appropriate packaging solutions. 
• Perform physical testing of parts with available packaging on-site, analyzing weight, dimensions, stacking feasibility, and protection needs. 
• Document results with photos, weight studies, and quantity recommendations; submit proposals to customers for approval. 
• Review and validate customer 3D packaging simulations (PDFs), ensuring feasibility, safety, and quality of parts upon arrival. 
• Identify risks related to heavy parts, stacking, or restricted packaging references. 
• Support packaging proposals for customers, including weekly inventory counts and submission of packaging usage reports. 

2. Ordering & Inventory Planning 

• Place packaging orders through customer portals, ensuring alignment with approved packaging references. 
• Track lead times (up to two weeks) and forecast requirements based on new packaging approvals and demand fluctuations. 
• Maintain an updated record of all packaging references (wood boxes, blue boxes, pallets, spacers, frames, lids, etc.). 
• Plan orders considering warehousing space, departmental needs, and inventory levels to prevent shortages. 

3. Receiving & Distribution 

• Perform accurate counts of packaging upon receipt, validating against shipping documents and expected quantities. 
• Account for “bundled” shipments where pallets, spacers, frames, and lids are combined into kits. 
• Ensure proper storage: keep sensitive packaging (e.g., blue boxes, spacers) under cover. 
• Distribute packaging to the correct building/department promptly after receipt. 

4. Shipping & Inventory Control 

• Track all outgoing packaging shipments, ensuring that each transaction is recorded and inventory is updated. 
• Deduct quantities from on-hand inventory based on PDF shipment reports (e.g., provided by Shipping Lead). 
• Monitor stock levels and trigger reorders before shortages occur. 
• Learn all shipping functions to act as a back up when needed. 

5. Inventory Follow-Up & Audits 

• Conduct regular walkthroughs and audits on the shop floor to verify packaging usage and organization. 
• Ensure packaging is returned to designated central points after use. 
• Address issues such as: 
• Leaders holding packaging without returning excess. 
• Operators using packaging incorrectly (e.g., wrong pallets, lids, or makeshift spacers). 
• Misplaced or lost packaging. 
• Update the inventory database continuously to reflect real-time packaging availability. 

6. Packaging Design & Development Projects 

• Lead packaging design projects for customers when no specifications are provided. 
• Develop new packaging concepts, calculate dimensions, optimize space utilization, and ensure compliance with handling/transport requirements. 
• Request vendor quotations for boxes, internal dunnage, and related packaging materials. 
• Collaborate with customers on cost-effective, ergonomic, and sustainable packaging solutions. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 2- 4 years of experience in packaging specialist, supply chain, or manufacturing 
  (automotive preferred).