Packaging Procurement Analyst

Position title: Packaging Procurement Analyst

Location: Hershey, PA

Summary:

This role will manage data, reporting, and analytics for the Packaging Procurement Team, focusing on the Paper category. He/she will support strategic packaging sourcing projects such as new item launches, process improvements, vendor evaluations, RFPs, and addressing manufacturing or quality challenges.

This position will have a key responsibility in maintaining accurate and organized data using clear processes to assist category managers in decision-making. This role requires a foundational understanding of supply chain operations, along with skills in process management, communication, and basic analytics.

This role will interact and partner with:

Packaging Procurement team, Packaging Development, Supply Planning and External Suppliers

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Work closely with packaging category managers, key plant contacts, packaging development, and supply chain finance to establish a short- and long-range financial strategy.  Based on that strategy, identify, and prioritize key initiatives that become the roadmap for project activity and resource allocation.  Additionally, this position will develop and maintain the financial models supporting the Packaging team in managing and forecasting commodity cost impacts. A key responsibility is to lead the analysis of Purchase Price Variance tracking/reporting and analysis for the Packaging Team.

• Establish effective project management processes and identify key stakeholders for key packaging material initiatives.  Lead the project execution from initial identification through successful execution, which will be defined with specific milestones and measurable results.  This will require ownership and accountability for developing and organizing key project documents, e.g., work plans, project files, status reports, etc., and executing Requests for Pricing (RFPs).
• Develop and leverage a deep understanding of systems (including S/4 Hanna, PO process, PLM and VIMs, Power BI, etc.) Provide support across the team with setting up and processing POs, cost standard reviews and corrections, PPV tracking, and research by leveraging Excel and PowerPoint to assist with analytics and communication to leadership on packaging financials. Collaborative facilitation combined with effective conflict management will be critical as this position is expected to identify issues, facilitate corrections, and recommend improvements in the process while effectively communicating overall department performance.
• Maintaining compliance for SOX reporting through daily system audits, assisting with the Standards Development, BU, and Strat processes, facilitating communications to leadership, and managing users for the Hershey Partner Portal, the system for communicating packaging specifications to suppliers.

Desired Skills

• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation, particularly with procurement-related datasets.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, data manipulation, and formulae (VLOOKUP, SUMIF, etc.).
• Ability to create insightful reports and presentations based on data analysis.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (Enterprise Resource Planning) and procurement software (e.g., SAP).
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data handling and reporting.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues and propose solutions.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Eagerness to learn new tools and technologies related to procurement analytics.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Skill in prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and importance.
• Capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and deliver under pressure.
• Knowledge of procurement processes and supply chain dynamics.
• Understanding of financial principles related to procurement and cost analysis.
• Ability to conduct market research and vendor analysis to support procurement decisions.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain structured data records and documentation.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree required (Business Administration, Engineering, IT/IS preferred)

• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in supply chain 1-2 years SC experience, preferably in analytics, procurement or related.. 

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