• Keeps informed of all new developments relative to materials and supplies, and makes recommendations designed to reduce costs and improve methods.
• Maintains purchasing records as needed by the Purchasing Department and other departments.
• Keeps in constant contact with suppliers relative to pricing. Obtains competitive quotations to ensure the best possible product, pricing, and developments within the marketplace.
• Plans purchases based on material management's forecast of raw material usage to ensure optimum inventory levels.
• Furnishes purchase analyses and cost data for use in scheduling, planning, budgeting, and other functional activities.
• Works conjointly with the Marketing department on packaging projects to ensure compliance with manufacturing requirements and FDA regulations.
• Continuously monitors key suppliers’ financial status as well as evolving global and domestic economic situations that could impact Swedish Match.
• Evaluates and recommends potential suppliers based upon their ability to meet specified requirements.
• Establishes and maintains records of currently approved and potential suppliers.
• Establishes relations with key suppliers that embrace mutual respect, trust and open sharing of information.
• Establishes and maintains the requirements, including quality requirements, that must be met by suppliers. Conducts external audits/evaluations of suppliers as needed.
• Establishes and maintains data that clearly describes the specified requirements for purchased product, which includes but is not limited to agreements with suppliers that require notification of product and process changes.

Education: Bachelor's degree with concentration in Business, Economics or Accounting. Professional certification as C.P.M. or C.P.S.M. preferred.

Experience: Five to seven years in procurement with responsibility for items representing a significant portion of total operating costs.

Skill/Knowledge: Demonstrated above average ability to negotiate with vendors. Strong analytical skills. Must be able to make recommendations to upper management. Should be thoroughly familiar with our finished goods products and the specifications of the items necessary to produce them. Must be well versed in the Company's procurement policies and procedures. Must be knowledgeable in all GMP practices, FDA regulations, OSHA standards and any other applicable laws/regulations. Must be completely honest and trustworthy.