POSITION PURPOSE:

Advancement of our procurement organization is a top strategic priority for Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition (AHN), and we believe this presents unique and exciting career opportunities. If you are a strategic thinker when it comes to sourcing, like to challenge the status quo of existing suppliers, and are passionate about supplier diversification and business continuity planning, this opportunity might be for you.

We are building a world class global procurement organization as follows; (1) Category Management focused on driving long term sustainable value for the business (2) Procurement Operations providing exceptional support and advisement to our business unit stakeholders and (3) Data Analytics, process excellence, and technology adoption to drive and enable procurement best practices and excellent end-user experience.

Reporting to the Director of Strategic Sourcing, the Packaging and Indirect Sourcing Specialist will manage all aspects of sourcing and inventory management for all Packaging and Indirect sourced materials for Ajinomoto Health and Nutrition. Responsible for sourcing, negotiating pricing, and processing and expediting orders in a timely and efficient manner.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Psychology, Finance, or Data Analytics

• Minimum 4-8+ years’ experience in food grade packaging sourcing

• Strong SAP knowledge, preferred

• Advanced Computer and Excel Skills required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong Microsoft Office skills, SAP, Power BI, Reporting programs

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize projects

• Seek and qualify new suppliers to support business needs

• Strong negotiation skills

• Understanding of MRP and replenishment methods

• Category management of Packaging and Indirect materials

• Understanding of key material cost drivers of category

• Development of Business Continuity/Secondary Sourcing Strategy for

• Aptitude to identify opportunities for improvements and developing solutions

• Extensive End-to-End Supply Chain process knowledge

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Strong analytical, financial, and P&L skills

• Ability to calculate and communicate cost impacts to purchase price variance to prior year and to budget

• Attention to detail, time management, and deadline expectations

• Ability to work collaboratively with people across all levels and departments

WORKING CONDITIONS: Fast paced corporate office environment working primarily inside. This position is local to our corporate headquarters in Itasca IL and would be eligible for our Hybrid work policy at manager discretion. This position may also travel to AHN suppliers for site visits. All AHN Travel policies will apply and must be followed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position will be performed primarily by sitting or standing at a desk and 90% of the time computer use will be required.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support goals and objectives as established by Procurement Management, with emphasis on strategic packaging sourcing and indirect spend

• Responsible for all Ajinomoto’s, management and competitive sourcing for, but not limited to, the following product categories in accordance to the specifications provided

o Packaging items (cups, bottles, films, labels, sleeves, bags, and corrugated)

o Indirect goods (safety goggles, masks, and other facilities equipment)

• Use and Understanding of Published market price data like Chem Data, RISI and Pulp & Paper to drive price forecasting and negotiations

• Work with multiple US procurement teams to identify purchasing synergies and opportunities between all facilities

• Evaluate, manage, and negotiate competitive bids for assigned categories to achieve annual cost savings target set by management

• Inventory management and distribution for assigned categories by utilizing various ERP tools like MRP and Requisition Worksheets to achieve target inventory valuation and inventory turns

• Work with the marketing team for new product development and packaging engineer for vendor selection and making sure the packaging integrity is sufficient for commerce, keeping quality high at the best possible price

• Manage and supervise Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs with key strategic vendors

• Manage vendor relationships with the goal of minimizing costs and maximizing efficiencies

• Manage small projects/activities as part of larger initiatives

• Travel as needed

PERKS

Benefits:

• Competitive salary & benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k with match and profit-sharing eligibility, life insurance, disability and paid time off
• No waiting period for medical, dental, & vision benefits
• Wellness Program
• Mental Health Support via Lyra Health
• Caregiver Support via Wellthy
• Parental Leave
• Annual wellness reimbursement (gym membership/equipment)
• Free tobacco cessation program
• 11 paid holidays
• Work-Life Integration
• Employee perks and discount program