Senior Buyer

As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers - large and small - package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence. We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

People * Customers * Trust

Position Purpose Summary:

The Senior Buyer is responsible for the strategic and tactical management of agreements as assigned. The Buyer is responsible for developing, monitoring, and pursuing strategic and tactical projects in the areas of capital equipment, construction and supply agreement management, company-wide vendor/contract relationships, and centrally led supplier management. The Senior Buyer ensures that all programs are designed to fulfill the objectives of the company and that program related expenses are managed responsibly.

Dimensions:

Purchasing is a centralized function responsible for negotiating company agreements with vendors for corporate supplies and services, capital equipment and construction, chemicals, MRO supplies, energy and real estate. The department currently consists of twenty two professional purchasing associates. Actual dollars managed will depend on the complexity of spend and may vary.

Principal Accountabilities:

• The Senior Buyer is responsible for the ongoing management, negotiation, and administration of assigned agreements including but not limited to capital equipment purchases, construction/engineering contracts and service agreements. This includes providing all managerial support of current contracts, monitoring program usage, supplier management, and communicating with PCA managers the scope and benefit of current agreements.
• The Senior Buyer is responsible for the continuous evaluation of potential opportunities for new or improved programs and vendor contracts. This involves conducting all necessary needs analysis and identification, market research, vendor reviews, vendor selections, program recommendation, program negotiation, contract development, and program communication and implementation.
• The Senior Buyer is responsible for program / contract communication and policy training to area, plant, and corporate, and for resolving questions, issues, or problems related to the agreements.
• The Senior Buyer is responsible for providing back-up coverage for other department co-workers in their absence as assigned in the department back-up plan.
• As a member of the Purchasing Departmental Team, the Senior Buyer is responsible for knowing and following policies and procedures of the company, for sharing information that would benefit other members of the team; and for finding ways to improve the delivery of service to our customers.
• As a member of the Purchasing Departmental Team, and the PCA Team as a whole, the Purchasing Manager is expected to continually strive to strengthen our business philosophy of Meeting needs, exceeding expectations for our customers.

Decision Making:

The Senior Buyer is expected to provide overall program management including rendering recommendations on policies, procedures, strategy, communication, training, and suppliers. The Buyer is a representative of PCA in assigned agreement negotiations and is expected to enter into contracts and agreements that are beneficial to the company.

Interactions with Customers and Contacts:

Senior Buyer will interact with co-workers from many areas of the company including operations management, production, and technology. The Senior Buyer is expected to build solid working relationships with individuals in these areas in an effort to improve operations and effect positive change. The Senior Buyer will need to build relationships with contractors, construction management companies, service providers and current suppliers in order to determine the best resources available to PCA and to effectively manage each program. This will include evaluating all types of service, construction or equipment providers and engage their services as needed.

Requirements:

• Educationally, a bachelor's degree in business, engineering or procurement is required.
• Minimum 10 year experience in a facility or corporate sourcing/purchasing function for a heavy industrial manufacturing company with knowledge of the commodities to be assigned.
• Strong project management experience with the ability to assess business needs and make solid recommendations regarding timelines, suppliers, contractors, and costs.
• Solid working knowledge of purchasing program administration, contract administration, supplier sourcing, vendor analysis, and program evaluation.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft applications including Word, Lotus Notes, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Proficiency should be at an intermediate level with the ability to design and create presentations, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with individuals throughout the company as well as build relationships with suppliers and contractors as needed.
• Strong math and numerical data analysis skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Able to work independently, prioritize assignments, and achieve desired results.
• Able to work in a fast paced environment and handle multiple requests simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills for daily work projects as well as with paper and electronic files.
• Previous experience working in a team environment preferred, or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing among co-workers.

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All qualified applicants must apply at Careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.