Senior Procurement Specialist

Job Summary:

creative werks partners with some of the world’s most recognizable food brands to bring their products to market through packaging design, co-packing and manufacturing services.

As our Senior Procurement Specialist, you’ll take the lead on sourcing raw materials and packaging components for a dynamic candy and snacks co-manufacturer. You’ll own vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, manage inventory needs and deliver cost-saving strategies that keep our production lines running smoothly. This is a hands-on, strategic role where your work directly impacts client satisfaction and company growth.

Responsibilities of the Position:

• Lead sourcing for packaging supplies (corrugated, film, cartons, rigid plastics, etc.)
• Run RFPs, evaluate suppliers and foster new and existing vendor partnerships
• Negotiate contracts, implement cost savings/reduction initiatives, enhance operations efficiency and manage programs like vendor-managed inventory, min/max stocking arrangement and blanket agreements
• Partner with suppliers to resolve quality issues and ensure materials meet client specs and compliance requirements
• Monitor commodity markets, industry trends and pricing fluctuations that provide leadership with data-driven insights to drive sourcing strategies 
• Manage weekly purchase orders and inventory levels through MRP systems, ensuring just-in-time delivery and optimized warehouse capacity and Days on Hand targets
• Support new product launches by coordinating quotes, artwork and materials
• Act as a key liaison between Client Services, Operations and Procurement to align supply strategies with business objectives to drive continuous improvement and optimization efforts
• Serve as an escalation point and subject matter expert for supplier and client concerns
• This position may require travel to our Bartlett facility for training/meetings and/or education purposes when needed

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Supply Chain or related field (preferred)
• 5–7 years of procurement, sourcing, or buying experience, ideally in a manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with packaging material management and/or food industry exposure is a plus
• Proficiency with Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, etc.); experience with ERP/MRP systems analysis and SAP exposure preferred
• Skilled in negotiation and contract management
• Sound communication skills with experience building productive partnerships with suppliers and internal teams
• Experience leading cross-functional discussions and driving collaboration
• Organized and adaptable, with the ability to prioritize in a dynamic environment
• Ability to travel between 5-10% within North America, mainly the Midwest

Food Safety Responsibilities:

• Attend all food safety training sessions (GMP, SQF, HACCP, Allergen, Food Facility Security, Preventing Foodborne Illness)
• Participate in company GMP walks
• Enforce company rules regarding food safety and monitoring

Working Conditions:

• Operate in an open concept office setting and warehouse environment with temperatures ranging from 55 – 80 degrees.

Physical Requirements:

• Operate standard office equipment
• Reach with hands and arms
• Lift up to 25 pounds

Benefits of Werking for CW:

• Fun, creative, and inviting atmosphere – plus the perk of working with cool food brands!
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• 401K and company match
• Hybrid work eligible after 90 days/onboarding complete (max 2 days per week)
• Paid Time Off
• On-site gym 
• Audible Subscription 
• Continuous learning and development opportunities

The approved annualized base compensation range for this role is established at $85,000 - $105,000. Final offer amounts will be determined based on candidate skills, qualifications, experience and domain expertise.