Director of Inventory Management

Associated Packaging is looking for amazing and talented people like you! Join our team today and become part of one of the fastest growing companies and industries in the country. Employees of Associated Packaging, Inc. enjoy an energetic and people-first company culture. We are excited to offer a premium benefits package including PTO, Employee Assistance Programs, 401k matching, Health Insurance, Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, and much more! 

The Director-Inventory Management is part of the Operations team at Associated Packaging Inc and will implement inventory and category management strategies that resonate with the organization’s long-term vision. This position is responsible for optimizing inventory levels, ensuring the timely procurement of materials, reduction of acquisition cost, and maintaining the highest standards of inventory accuracy and efficiency. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

1. Develop and implement spend management strategies including supplier assessments and rationalization, negotiation for best total cost of ownership, vendor managed inventories, inventory reduction programs, security of supply, and commodity roadmaps with procurement/stakeholder collaboration.
2. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers that drive procurement strategies to achieve business objectives. Lead new supplier onboarding.
3. Work with the Sourcing team to identify growth incentives, rebate, and cost deviation processes.
4. Support the supplier development to improve the quality system of key suppliers.
5. Analyze data to drive decision-making and improve overall effectiveness.
6. Monitor and review the Sales Commitment Forecast process to feed the reorder point/demand planning function.
7. Manage and lead the new Part Number setup process, communicate requirements and ensure the capture of supplier part number
8. Work with a Service group to identify and manage the process of item/part # creation/quotes.
9. Collaborate internally and externally to build the supply chain, drive cost reduction and contract execution by applying lean principles. 
10. Lead initiatives to reduce excess inventory, improve turnover rates, and minimize waste by creating supplier Report Card/KPI’s. Manage the RFQ process.
11. Coordinate with the operations team to ensure incoming materials meet required specifications and standards.
12. Conduct the procurement processes to ensure compliance with procurement policies, regulations, risk mitigation, and ISO 9001. Develop internal audit process for procurement.
13. Lead and train a team of materials and inventory management professionals, fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.

Education and/or Experience: 

1. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; MBA preferred.

1. A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience, with a proven track record of success in inventory and category management, ideally in a senior leadership role.
2. Experience in the Packaging industry is preferred.
3. Certification in inventory management or supply chain (e.g., CPIM, CPSM) is preferred.
4. Strong knowledge of procurement of best practices, processes and technologies

Competencies: 

1. Excellent leadership, communication, and change management skills. 
2. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills (i.e. Lean Six Sigma)
3. Proficiency in procurement technologies and tools.
4. Experience with ISO 9001 based quality systems.
5. Experience with ERP systems and procurement software, NetSuite preferred.
6. Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
7. Ability to travel as necessary

Work Environment:  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions. 

•Office environment 

•Warehouse environment, not climate controlled 

•Noise level in this environment is usually moderate  

Why work at Associated Packaging, Inc.? 

Longevity - Associated Packaging, Inc. has been providing packaging solutions for companies since 1977.  

Stability - Even during times of recession and economic uncertainty, Associated Packaging, Inc. has remained financially strong and experienced tremendous growth. 

Customer Service - We focus on partnering with our customers to find and maintain the best solution possible for their packaging needs. Our customers consider us problem solvers and profit enhancers. 

Our People - At Associated Packaging, Inc., people are our greatest asset. We value each employee and know that great success comes from a great team. 

Associated Packaging, Inc. is committed to being an inclusive employer where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and partnership status, pregnancy and parental responsibilities, race, religion and belief, sex, or sexual orientation.