Purchasing Manager, Returnable Packaging - Rivian : Job Details

About Rivian Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract. As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. Role Summary The Returnable Packaging Purchasing Manager is responsible for the strategic sourcing, procurement, and management of returnable packaging solutions for the company's manufacturing and logistics operations. This role ensures the efficient and cost-effective flow of materials through the supply chain by optimizing returnable packaging usage, minimizing waste, and maintaining strong supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, packaging design, and supply chain management principles. This position reports to the Manager of Logistics Purchasing and is located onsite in either Normal, IL or Plymouth, MI. Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement:
• Develop and execute strong sourcing strategies for returnable packaging, including totes, racks, bins, pallets, lids, and other reusable containers.
• Identify, evaluate, and select qualified suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery, and service performance.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers to achieve optimal cost savings and ensure supply continuity.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and potential risks in the returnable packaging market.
• Packaging Management & Optimization:
• Collaborate with engineering, logistics, and manufacturing teams to define packaging requirements and specifications.
• Analyze current packaging usage and identify opportunities for optimization, including design improvements, material selection, and standardization.
• Understanding of returnable packaging tracking and inventory control systems.
• Ensure packaging standards and specifications are sourced.
• Work to reduce packaging loss and damage.
• Supplier Relationship Management:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration and open communication.
• Monitor supplier performance and address any issues or discrepancies.
• Conduct regular supplier reviews and audits to ensure compliance with quality and performance standards.
• Resolve supplier disputes and negotiate settlements.
• Cost Management & Analysis:
• Support development and tracking of the returnable packaging budget.
• Analyze packaging costs and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to packaging costs, inventory levels, and supplier performance.
• Implement cost savings initiatives.
• Logistics & Supply Chain Support:
• Coordinate with logistics and transportation teams to ensure the timely and efficient movement of returnable packaging.
• Support the development and implementation of packaging return and recovery programs.
• Work to improve material flow.
• Compliance & Safety:
• Support compliance with all relevant industry regulations and standards related to packaging and transportation.
• Promote and enforce safety standards related to packaging handling and storage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Purchasing or supply chain management experience in the automotive industry preferred
• Knowledge of returnable packaging materials, design, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience in negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite and ERP systems.
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing and logistics processes.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles.
• Knowledge of packaging design software is a plus.

Pay DisclosureSalary Range/Hourly Rate for Illinois Based Applicants: $71,000 - $88,800 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law). Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment, and Rivian covers most of the premiums. Equal Opportunity Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at ...@rivian.com. Candidate Data Privacy Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes ( Candidate Personal Data ). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law. Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian's service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions. Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.