AJM Packaging Corporation
Metropolitan Detroit Area
Salary: $150,000 - $210,000
Bonus: Performance Based
Position Overview -
AJM Packaging Corporation, one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of paper products, including a broad range of plain and printed paper plates, cups, bowls and bags, is currently seeking an exceptionally talented and highly capable professional to drive and lead its Procurement and Strategic Sourcing functions. Many will, no doubt, have the requisite skill set, education and experience for this job, but only a select few will likely possess the much rarer intangible qualities needed to do it well. Amongst the distinguishing characteristics the successful candidate will likely have are a confident demeanor, a “can do” attitude, unrelenting drive and an innate ability to command respect, make decisions and, most importantly, lead. Reporting directly to the COO, the new Director will be responsible for Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Performance, Contract Management and related personnel and activities. The Director will also be accountable for purchasing performance, supplier development, cost reduction, supply continuity and procurement-related operational excellence across all AJM facilities.
Responsibilities & Duties -
- Supervise, manage and direct all Procurement, Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management activities and personnel. Provide executive oversight, negotiation and approval of strategic supplier agreements, NDA’s, paper and paperboard supply contracts, major capital equipment purchases and other critical sourcing initiatives.
- Establish strategic direction for the department and manage daily activities in furtherance of, and alignment with, all company goals and objectives. Set departmental staffing level and develop and approve all budgets and KPI’s, including cost savings, purchase price variance (PPV), supplier quality, on-time delivery, contract compliance and procurement performance metrics.
- Interview, hire and train all corporate level staff members and all local management reporting up to you. Establish individual employee performance goals and participate in, and approve, all annual reviews, promotions, demotions, transfers, raises and disciplinary action for this same cohort.
- Continually evaluate and assess all operational and administrative processes and procedures and identify, document and adopt best practices in keeping with our ISO Management Standards Program.
- Aggregate and leverage company spend across all departments and locations and conduct broad-based negotiations to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO), improve supplier performance and mitigate supply chain risk.
- Develop and execute suitable Vendor Agreements for all suppliers and ensure compliance using vendor scorecards, factory visits, audits, random testing and customer complaints and feedback. Monitor supplier financial stability, capacity, quality, service and business continuity risk to proactively identify and address potential disruptions.
- Develop and manage strategic partnerships with key “Bill of Materials” (BOM), “Maintenance, Repair & Operations” (MRO) and “Capital Equipment” vendors to shield supply chain from disruptions. Develop contingency sourcing strategies, secondary supplier networks and supply continuity plans for critical commodities and services.
- Develop, communicate and track continuous improvement goals for all suppliers, provide feedback and rehabilitate or replace underperforming vendors, as necessary and appropriate.
- Develop and implement a clear, concise and transparent sourcing process, including RFI and RFP templates, alternative bid mechanisms, feedback and negotiating strategies and award criteria.
- Maintain sufficient knowledge of all purchased products, including key ingredients and cost drivers and industry size, participants, shares and trends, to better inform and optimize sourcing strategy and decision making and identify potential problems and opportunities. Monitor commodity markets, economic conditions, tariffs, freight costs, and other market factors affecting procurement strategy and total cost.
- Work cross-functionally and with vendors to develop clear and concise product specifications, including packaging, warehousing, labeling and shipping requirements, for all goods and services.
- Work cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, Sales, Warehousing, Materials Management and Logistics teams to support supply continuity, supplier issue resolution and procurement-related planning without assuming ownership of warehousing or materials management functions.
- Work cross-functionally to support new product development and special projects, source necessary manufacturing and ancillary equipment, bill of materials (BOM) inputs and supplies and develop product specifications and cost estimates.
- Develop and maintain procurement dashboards and reporting systems to monitor purchasing performance, cost savings, supplier performance, supplier quality, contract compliance and sourcing initiatives.
- Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies for paper, paperboard, packaging materials, inks, coatings, chemicals, MRO supplies, transportation services and capital equipment to ensure competitiveness, continuity of supply and long-term value creation.
- Lead continuous improvement efforts associated with ERP procurement modules, sourcing processes, supplier performance programs, purchasing workflows, and reporting capabilities.
- Support new business initiatives, acquisitions, capacity expansions, plant start-ups, and other strategic projects through sourcing expertise, supplier development and procurement execution.
- Does not include accountability for warehouse management, inventory control ownership, demand planning ownership, inventory turns, inventory accuracy or materials management personnel where those functions report elsewhere in the organization.
Minimum Requirements -
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Logistics or related field or equivalent combination of experience and education.
- 12-15 years of progressive Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Contract Management, Supplier Management and logistics experience, including at least four (4) in management and a significant amount in fast paced, high volume production environments, paper converting or similar experience a plus but not required.
- Strong management, leadership, organizational and administrative skills, able to multi-task and stay calm and cool under pressure.
- Advanced Microsoft Office 365 skills. Experience with ERP procurement modules, sourcing tools, procurement analytics and supplier performance reporting systems strongly preferred.
- Adept at “root cause analysis” with strong problem-solving skills.
- Hands on management style and ability to effectively communicate with, relate to and motivate all employees.
Benefits -
At AJM, our comprehensive “Cafeteria Benefits Plan” and “Flexible Spending Arrangement” (FSA), truly sets us apart from the competition. Under the cafeteria plan you’ll receive a comprehensive package of company paid medical, dental, optical, life and disability insurance coverage.
Summary of Benefits –
- Medical Insurance (BCBS)
- Dental Insurance
- Optical Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Cafeteria Benefits Plan
- Flexible Spending Agreement
- Health Savings Account
- Child & Dependent Care Savings Account
- 401 K Retirement Plan (with Safe Harbor Company Match)
- Tuition Assistance
- Employee Assistance/Wellness Program
- Paid Vacations
- Paid Holiday
- Paid Sick & Personal Time
- Professional Development Program (AJM University)
About Us -
AJM was originally founded as a distributor of commercial paper, plastic and foil packaging products and related cleaning, janitorial and order processing supplies and equipment by three (3) Detroit area brothers operating out of a small warehouse in Detroit’s Eastern Market. In 1957 they built and moved into slightly larger quarters on Detroit’s southwest side, where, for the very first time, they began manufacturing their own products. Over the ensuing decades, AJM gradually evolved from its broadline distributor beginnings into a major paper products manufacturer, today employing nearly 3,000 people and operating eight (8) manufacturing and five (5) warehouse/distribution facilities strategically located throughout the United States.
Some things have undoubtedly changed since AJM was founded, but the company’s commitment to its customers and employees, alike, has not wavered and is deeply embedded in its DNA. So, too, is the founding brothers’ entrepreneurial spirit, “can do” attitude and singular focus on the value proposition that has fueled the company’s success from the very beginning. We’re still family owned and operated, still manufacturing our products in the good old USA and still providing our customers with the same reliable service and quality products they’ve come to expect from AJM for more than 75 years now.
Career Development -
At AJM, we realize we will only go as far as our employees can take us and, for that reason, we invest millions of dollars every year on both classroom and on-the-job training to develop our employees’ skills and promote a culture of learning and continuous improvement. There are no barriers to impede your progress here and no ceilings to halt your advance. You’ll control your own destiny, and we will help you reach your full potential with both in-house development programs and tuition reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate level college studies. Join our team and see where your AJM journey takes you!
For More Information -
Visit our website at www.ajmpack.com
AJM Packaging Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin or other legally protected status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
