Job DescriptionJob Description
Junior Buyer for Growing Confectionery
Primary Purpose
The Associate Category Manager will support Category Manager/Director on the Packaging Procurement team. This role partners with internal Procurement pillars, collaborates with the external supplier community, as well as internal cross-functional teams to ensure products are brought to market in a timely manner.
Key Job Responsibilities
- Work with suppliers and other internal departments including Project Managers, Production Planning, Operations, Quality Assurance, R&D, Packaging Engineering, Material Management, Master Data and Finance.
- Work with the departments noted above on the commercialization of new and/or updated products; responsible for understanding project and timeline, completing documentation and communicating to internal and external stakeholders.
- Assist in Dragonfly artwork approvals, PLM spec retrievals.
- Generation of requests for quotation to suppliers.
- Support productivity improvement initiatives that generate cost savings and value creation.
- Support the RFP/RFQ process, contract negotiations and administration of supplier contracts. Research and provide data for spend and market analysis.
- Understands, and is able to articulate stakeholder requirements to internal and external teams. Develops implementation plan and works with operations and
- QA to ensure timely onboarding of new suppliers and/or products.
- Team with cross-functional partners to resolve CAR issues if need and obtain credits due.
- Monitor and report on business trends as it relates to assigned suppliers, including production changes and commodity component price changes.
- Maintains Vendor Scorecard inputs. Plans and participates in business reviews with internal and external stakeholders to review and improve supplier performance.
- Works on assigned tasks for corporate integrations.
- Ensures adherence to all Company policies and procedures.
- Understands and demonstrates the Company’s core values.
- Other tasks as assigned.
Skills
procurement, supply chain, category management, purchasing, negotiation, strategic sourcing, contract, project management, vendor management, purchase order
Top Skills Details
Procurement,Supply chain,Category management
Additional Skills & Qualifications
• Knowledge of maintenance requirements within a manufacturing environment: have a base of knowledge related to maintenance of products and services;
• Knowledge of IT services, hardware and software.
• Procurement knowledge: Deep understanding of procurement category management, stakeholder management and negotiations
• Strong interpersonal skills: empathy, integrity, enthusiasm, collaborative, driving consensus
• Strong written and oral communication skills. Strong listening skills and ability to work with senior leaders – inside and outside of the organization - to understand their goals and objectives; share project objectives and progress in a clear concise manner.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills: have a strong ability to analyze significant amount of data and summarize findings or options for senior leadership.
• Strategic thinking: able to “see around corners”, synthesize insights from disparate data sources, and present recommendations and alternatives.
• Desire to be a supportive and proactive business partner across the organization.
Experience Level
Entry Level
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Chicago, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $38.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 29, 2026.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
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