Job Summary:The Strategic Paper Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing paper and related materials in alignment with the company's overall procurement strategy. This role ensures that the organization secures high-quality paper products at competitive prices, while maintaining supply chain efficiency, mitigating risks, and fostering strong relationships with suppliers. The Strategic Paper Buyer plays a key role in cost control and sustainability initiatives, working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.Key Responsibilities
- Identify and evaluate suppliers of paper products and related materials based on quality, cost, and delivery performance.
- Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies to optimize procurement processes.
- Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with suppliers to ensure favorable conditions for the organization.
- Maintain and update supplier databases to ensure accurate and efficient procurement practices.
- Monitor market trends, material prices, and supplier performance to manage procurement costs and stay within budget.
- Conduct regular cost analysis and develop cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality.
- Work with finance teams to track and report on procurement expenditures and savings.
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key paper suppliers and vendors.
- Collaborate with suppliers to resolve issues related to product quality, delivery timelines, or compliance.
- Monitor supplier performance and ensure that they meet agreed-upon service levels.
- Coordinate with internal teams (such as production, logistics, and warehousing) to ensure seamless supply chain operations.
- Optimize inventory levels to prevent shortages or overstock situations, ensuring production schedules are met.
- Forecast paper demand based on company needs, historical usage, and market trends.
- Stay up to date on environmental regulations and sustainability practices related to paper production and procurement.
- Source paper products with an emphasis on eco-friendly materials, such as recycled paper or FSC-certified products.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and company policies, including environmental certifications and quality control.
- Provide regular reports on procurement activities, including supplier performance, pricing trends, and savings achieved.
- Analyze data to assess and improve procurement processes, identifying areas for efficiency gains.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Procurement, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management, ideally in the paper industry or a related field.
- Strong understanding of paper types, grades, and suppliers.
- Familiarity with procurement processes, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
- Knowledge of sustainability practices, including sourcing eco-friendly and recycled paper.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Analytical skills for cost analysis, reporting, and forecasting.
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
- Ability to assess and track the details of procurement contracts, pricing, and delivery schedules.
- Quick to identify issues and develop effective solutions to procurement challenges.
- Focused on achieving cost savings and efficiency improvements without compromising quality.
- Knowledge of Lean or Six Sigma principles
TravelThis position may require occasional travel to supplier sites, production facilities, or corporate offices. Candidates should be prepared to travel up to 20% of the time, which may include overnight stays.Benefits:Annual Bonus Program, Paid Time Off, Personal Time Off, Floating Holiday, 10 Paid Holidays, Paternity leave, 401K, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Pet InsuranceEOE STATEMENT- We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.