Purchasing Manager

We are seeking resumes for a Purchasing Manager in our Gladstone, VA. Riverville Paper Mill.

Position Summary: 

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for the overall management and direction of the Purchasing and Stores departments.

Dimensions:

PCA is the third largest manufacturer of containerboard and corrugated packaging in United States.  PCA is an ideas and solutions company.  We are a leader in helping our customer package, transport, and display products of all kinds.  PCA embodies a culture of continuous improvement and, as such, is dedicated to delivering a high quality and sustainable product via innovative energy management and responsible design. PCA has 10 mills.  In 2022, our mills in the Packaging segment produced 4.6 million tons of containerboard. PCA Mills manufacture containerboard consisting of a variety of performance and specialty grades for a total of annual capacity of 5 million tons.

Principle Accountabilities: 

• Manage procurement and inventory management functions including the development of short and long-term strategies for the purchase and control of material and services in conformance with policy, organizational objectives, and accepted business and ethical standards.
• Ensure that the procurement of primary purchased commodities and supply items are obtained in sufficient supply and availability to maintain production and services at required consumption rates.  This includes department responsibility and oversight of mill’s black liquor shipment program.
• Lead negotiation responsibility on all contracts and capital purchases.
• Establish and negotiate contract terms and conditions and maintain supplier relationships.
• Support Corporate contract system ensuring mill’s compliance in following mandatory contracts.
• Manage mill’s leasing program in coordination with Corporate Procurement, Engineering, and mill departments.
• Serve as local liaison with Mill Energy Engineer to Corporate Procurement and providers on electricity and natural gas procurement.
• Manage the daily operations of the Purchasing Department, ensuring timely and accurate follow-up on customer requests.  
• Support mill safety objectives through observations, participation, coaching and example.
• Review financials and procurement data to recommend and implement cost savings opportunities through operational changes, local agreements, or through consolidating with other locations. 
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, ISO, SOX, and FSC as related to Purchasing operations. 
• Know and follow policies and procedures of the company, share information that would benefit other members of the team and find ways to improve the delivery of service to our customers.
• Strive to continually strengthen PCA’s business philosophy of meeting needs and exceeding expectations for customers specifically supporting PCA’s Commitment to Service which involves doing what’s right for our customers, focusing on strategies that add value and support growth, and keeping the promises that we make.

Decision Making:

The Purchasing Manager is expected to oversee the purchasing and stores function of the assigned Mill.  The Purchasing Manager is a part of the management team.  As such, the Purchasing Manager is capable of independently making sound decisions through creative problem-solving, ambiguity, and change and will assist in making high level decisions guided by functional strategies and priorities, resource availability, and long-term strategic direction.  The individual uses knowledge and experience to gather relevant information, identify key issues and relationships, compare data from different sources, identify cause-effect relationships, and recommend solutions. Unresolved issues or questions should be escalated to the  Controller Manager and/or Mill Manager.

Interactions:

Internally, the Purchasing Manager interacts with corporate and mill personnel from all functional areas. The Purchasing Manager is expected to develop solid working relationships with these individuals.  Externally, the Purchasing Manager will interact with customers and vendors.  The Purchasing Manager is responsible for maintaining excellent working relationships with vendors and internal customers.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Economics, Materials Management, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a heavy industrial and/or manufacturing environment
• Minimum of 7 years of purchasing experience.
• Strong project management experience with the ability to assess business needs and make solid recommendations regarding timelines, suppliers, contractors, and costs.
• Experience bidding and contracting material and service purchases.
• Heavy industrial experience required, pulp and paper, chemicals, continuous around the clock, 24/7 operations.
• Supplier sourcing and vendor analysis experience must include bidding/evaluation/agreement construction experience.

• Strong knowledge of computer systems including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and AS400 and purchasing software.
• Ability to work well under pressure and within time constraints, multi-task, and build sound relationships with both internal and external customers & vendors.
• Excellent negotiation skills in supplier sourcing, vendor analysis, and program evaluation.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to network and build relationships with individuals of various experience and corporate levels both within and outside of the company.
• Ability to read and understand technical correspondence, memos, instructions, and reports.
• Ability to apply skills to continuous process improvement while maintaining maximum levels of safety.
• Strong listening, evaluating, and problem-solving skills.  Ability to create alternative solutions and meet deadlines. 
• Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline-oriented environment, prioritize assignments, and handle multiple projects and/or requests concurrently.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle numerous details, deadlines, and requests.
• Previous work experience as a member of a team, or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing between team members.
• Must be able to travel as necessary and possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.

Preferred Requirements:

• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM).

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Starting salary range for position: $96,000 to $120,000
Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision

401k with company matching

Retirement Savings Plan

Educational Assistance Program

11 paid holidays

Vacation Time – 3 weeks

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)