Purchasing Manager

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2021 were $19.4 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting InternationalPaper.com.

Posting Dates: 7/25/22-8/8/22

FLSA: Exempt

Relocation Paid: Yes

Candidate Identified: No

Position Description:

The Columbus Mill Purchasing Manager position will be responsible for the daily operations of the purchasing team and management of the storerooms. This position will report the East Region Procurement Manager and will have supervision over purchasing team which buys for both Columbus facilities – Columbus Cellulose Fibers and Columbus Modified Fiber and storerooms at both facilities. The manager will continue to gain alignment with identified Global Sourcing best practices and allow us to capitalize on Global Sourcing driven cost saving initiatives which will help us maintain our competitive advantage and our low cost position within IP. The selected individual shall be measured according Global Sourcing metrics such as value – added savings, stores optimization, and value added bidding, among others.

Key Accountabilities:

• Responsible to provide safety leadership through modeling of safe behaviors and to ensure employee adherence to all mill safety requirements and expectations.
• Execution of mill sourcing functions to meet the needs and requirements of mill operations and maintenance
• Deliver value to the mill through effective procurement activities at the local level as well as ensuring implementation and adherence of Global Sourcing agreements.
• Lead and execute Global Sourcing strategies for purchasing and storeroom processes at the mill level.
• Ensure that Purchasing and Storeroom activities are in compliance with Corporate and Global Sourcing policies and procedures and any corporate audit agreements.
• Work with the Storeroom team and Maintenance to set objectives and manage implementation of initiatives to optimize inventory levels to reduce mill working capital while maintaining service and mill reliability.
• Track and report supplier performance and escalate supplier issues as appropriate.
• Serve on regional cross-functional teams to improve procurement and supply management processes, inventories, and total cost of ownership.
• Recommend new suppliers based on quality, service, and competitive pricing.
• Facilitate risk management processes - contractor insurance, safety documents and pre-qualifications are in place and meet IP and mill requirements.
• Measure and track process improvements as outlined by Global Sourcing and mill KPI’s.

• Develop, foster, and maintain team relationships.
• Management, training and development of purchasing personnel including execution of the Performance and Development Roadmap.
• Manage the Stores inventory of approximately $12 MM, work with Maintenance to set objectives and manage implementation of initiatives to optimize inventory levels to reduce mill working capital while maintaining service and mill reliability.
• Implement Storeroom management best practices.
• Support and exemplify the vision, principles, and behaviors of International Paper, Global Sourcing, East Region Procurement Ops, and CCF and CMF.

Working Conditions/Personal Demands:

• Must be able to wear all required personal safety equipment including but not limited to eye protection, hearing protection, safety shoes, head protection, etc.

• Must be available for after hours, weekend duty, and extended outage coverage.

• Successful candidates should be open for future relocation potential.

Position Qualifications:

Competencies required for the position

• Action Oriented
• Customer Focus
• Drive for Results
• Negotiating
• Organizing
• Building Effective Teams
• Conflict Management
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Problem Solving
• Managerial Courage
• Learning on the Fly
• Managing through Systems

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Proven skills in bidding, negotiating, and administering contracts and agreements
• Working knowledge and understanding of accounting and internal controls
• Knowledge of maintenance/operations planning processes.
• Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred
• 7 years in Purchasing, Procurement and/or Storeroom preferred
• Inventory management control systems knowledge preferred
• Supervisory/Leadership experience preferred
• Pulp and Paper Mill experience preferred. Significant expertise in procurement and commercial practices.
• Minimum of 5 years Manufacturing/Industrial experience preferred
• Working knowledge of MS Office including Word, PowerPoint, Excel is required
• SAP Material Management knowledge preferred, Business Warehouse, Ariba

International Paper is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Columbus MS 39703