Packaging & Material Strategic Buyer

ABOUT THE GROUP

From a small store in Turin to a large, internationally recognized group: we are present in 90 countries around the world, with over 4,000 employees and 30 companies, managed directly and indirectly by the Luigi Lavazza Spa parent company, which distribute and market our products and coffee machines. In addition to Lavazza, the following brands are also part of our Group: Carte Noire, Merrild, Kicking Horse, Eraclea and Whittington tea.

Joining Lavazza means doing business with passion, knowing that the impact of our work goes beyond the quality of the production chain. We are a big family and we are constantly looking for new talents who share our values and can enrich our team.  We combine competitiveness with social and environmental responsibility as we create superior quality products available for consumption both at home and out of home, and distributed through all channels: Retail, Foodservice, Office Coffee Service (OCS), and Vending. Our strong, diversified presence enables us to offer consumers and clients perfectly suited solutions, for any occasion and time of day.

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OVERVIEW

At Lavazza North America, the Packaging & Materials Buyer will be responsible for supporting a procurement category within the Packaging area. This involves collaborating with the Sr. Manager and relevant stakeholders to understand internal business needs, overall procurement objectives, and targets while also defining a category management strategy. The Buyer will manage the operational aspects of ingredient suppliers and some elements of the strategic management of spending for ingredients to support our beverages and complementary products.

Furthermore, this role will involve maintaining supplier relationships, managing contracts, and overseeing purchase-to-pay processes within the category. The Buyer will ensure that suppliers comply with qualifications and regulations while supporting internal standards, which includes tracking KPIs, conducting business reviews, assessing budget vs. actual spending progress, and providing reports to senior management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the Senior Manager and relevant stakeholders (e.g., Project Managers, Planning, Operations, R&D) to gain a clear understanding of new product development projects, meeting departmental and business timeline needs while working within the framework of project gates, liaising with suppliers, aligning with team objectives, and securing financial targets.
• Ensure compliance with specifications and maintain procurement practices, both internal and external, to meet standards. Collaborate with Supplier Quality and R&D regarding sourcing, quality, sustainability, fair trade, labor practices, product safety, and compliance.
• Manage supplier sourcing activities by scouting suppliers outside of the Approved Supplier List (ASL) for new innovations in product development and manufacturing opportunities.
• Execute the approved sourcing strategy for the category by assessing suppliers’ capabilities, evaluating market conditions, submitting RFIs to probe core competencies, and working with technical teams to define Statements of Work (SOWs) and evaluate supplier capabilities for successful bidding and awards.
• Demonstrate experience in writing and negotiating contract terms, collaborating with internal teams and management to ensure terms meet current and future business strategies.
• Evaluate indexes and review spend reports to determine risks and the current and future states of the category, gaining insights into industry dynamics and trends, market size, and supplier analysis.
• Benchmark costs by obtaining quotes from multiple suppliers while understanding the price drivers to influence internal and external requirements and specifications.
• Partner closely with R&D and stakeholders to enhance packaging supply propositions for Lavazza.
• Oversee purchase-to-pay processes within the category, ensuring compliance with purchasing policies and procedures. Ensure orders are completed timely and accurately, effectively manage the purchase order lifecycle, including amendments and cancellations.
• Collaborate with Accounts Payable to ensure timely payments to suppliers.
• Support the Planning and Demand function as a liaison with suppliers to ensure adherence to short- and long-term schedules. Collaborate with Logistics and Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) to set and monitor improvement programs for suppliers regarding quality, cost, and delivery, as well as with Finance for invoice reconciliation and Engineering.
• Initiate quotes and monitor key performance indicators through purchasing platforms such as Bravo Solutions, Ariba, or similar systems.
• Perform other related duties and assignments as required.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field; MBA is a plus
• 5+ years of experience in the packaging or beverage industry
• Strong financial acumen to understand business needs related to savings, ROI, working capital, and profitability
• Experience with ERP and MRP systems for issuing orders for consumables
• Ability to manage multiple product lines in support of the Flavia and Lavazza brands
• Excellent organizational, prioritization, project management, and problem-solving skills
• Good judgment in interacting with internal customers and external suppliers
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills
• Eagerness to learn, personable demeanor, and demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues at all levels of management

PHYSICAL/TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to travel as needed up to 10% 

BENEFITS/PERKS

• Competitive Medical, Vision, Dental Benefits 
• 401K Package 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Onsite Cafeteria and Gym (West Chester location)
• Hybrid Work Schedule 
• Ability to be barista certified
• Monthly Lunches provided by Lavazza
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Performance Development Plans 
• Employee Discounts 
• Flexible business casual dress code - jean friendly! 
• Free coffee, anytime!

 
Lavazza is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Lavazza prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.