Position Summary
TAVO Packaging is seeking an experienced Senior Purchaser to lead procurement of paperboard, packaging materials, manufacturing supplies, equipment, and services supporting our folding carton manufacturing operations. This strategic role is responsible for managing supplier relationships, negotiating high-value contracts, driving cost savings, mitigating supply chain risks, and ensuring uninterrupted material flow to support customer demand.
The ideal candidate will possess extensive purchasing experience within the cardboard, paperboard, packaging, printing or converting industry and have a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, inventory management, and supply chain optimization.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement Leadership
- Develop and execute purchasing strategies for paperboard, inks, coatings, adhesives, dies, tooling, packaging materials, maintenance supplies, and capital equipment.
- Manage relationships with paper mills, paperboard suppliers, corrugated and packaging vendors, and other strategic partners.
- Lead contract negotiations to secure favorable pricing, terms, rebates, and service agreements.
- Evaluate market trends, paperboard indexes, transportation costs, and supply chain risks to support informed purchasing decisions.
- Identify and implement cost-reduction, supplier consolidation, and value-engineering opportunities.
Inventory & Supply Chain Management
- Ensure uninterrupted supply of raw materials and production consumables to support manufacturing schedules.
- Collaborate with Operations, Scheduling, Customer Service, Maintenance, and Production teams to align procurement activities with business needs.
- Monitor inventory levels, demand forecasts, and usage trends to optimize inventory investment and minimize obsolete stock.
- Develop contingency plans for critical materials and supply disruptions.
Supplier Performance Management
- Establish supplier performance metrics focused on quality, delivery, responsiveness, innovation, and cost competitiveness.
- Conduct supplier scorecard reviews and business reviews with key vendors.
- Resolve supplier quality, delivery, and invoicing issues while maintaining positive business relationships.
- Identify and qualify alternative suppliers to strengthen the supply base.
ERP & Data Management
- Lead purchasing activities within Epicor ERP, including purchase orders, supplier data, pricing, contracts, and inventory records.
- Analyze purchasing data, supplier performance, and spend metrics to support strategic decision-making.
- Maintain accurate procurement documentation and compliance records.
Continuous Improvement
- Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Participate in cross-functional projects focused on process improvements, inventory reduction, and operational efficiency.
- Mentor and provide guidance to purchasing personnel as the department grows.
Required Qualifications
· Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
· Minimum 7–10 years of purchasing, procurement, or sourcing experience in a manufacturing environment.
· Minimum 3–5 years purchasing paperboard, cardboard, folding carton, printing, packaging, or converting materials.
· Proven success negotiating significant supplier agreements and achieving measurable cost savings.
· Strong understanding of inventory management, demand planning, and manufacturing operations.
· Experience utilizing ERP systems, preferably Epicor.
· Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis.
Preferred Qualifications
· Experience purchasing SBS, CRB, SUS, corrugated materials, inks, coatings, and converting supplies.
· APICS CPIM, CSCP, CPSM, or similar professional certification.
· Experience supporting folding carton, graphic packaging, commercial printing, or paper converting operations.
· Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
· Experience managing annual purchasing spend exceeding $10 million.
Key Competencies
· Strategic sourcing and supplier development
· Advanced negotiation and contract management
· Cost reduction and spend management
· Supply chain risk assessment
· Inventory optimization
· Financial acumen and analytical thinking
· Leadership and cross-functional collaboration
· Effective communication and relationship management
· Project management and continuous improvement
Success Metrics
· Annual procurement cost savings and cost avoidance
· Material availability and on-time delivery performance
· Inventory turnover and working capital improvements
· Supplier quality and service ratings
· Reduction in material shortages and production interruptions
· Supplier diversification and risk mitigation improvements
· Accuracy of purchasing and inventory data
Why Join TAVO?
This is an opportunity to play a critical leadership role in a growing folding carton manufacturing operation. The Senior Purchaser will directly influence profitability, operational efficiency, supplier partnerships, and long-term supply chain strategy while working closely with executive leadership and operations teams.
If you have a strong background in paperboard, cardboard, packaging, or printing industry procurement and enjoy driving business results through strategic sourcing, we'd like to hear from you
Pay: $115,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
