Buyer

Established in 1981, The Wine Group (TWG) is a privately-held, management-owned company with a portfolio of leading brands, including Cupcake, Concannon, Benziger, Imagery, Chloe, Franzia, and many other brands. The Wine Group is one of the top leaders in the wine industry. As a privately held management-owned company with 14 wineries in California, New York, and Australia, we thrive to win with exceptional people who share our values.

The responsibilities of this position involve supporting the procurement process for packaging materials, including volume forecasting, inventory management, supporting product development and packaging changes, and assisting in the development and execution of Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Additional responsibilities include supporting Supplier Development. This will include new Supplier qualifications, partnering with TWG Quality Assurance to resolve packaging defects, ensuring service levels are consistently met, and driving continuous improvement in price, quality and cost.

* Supply/Demand Management * Respond to material requirements through the issuance and tracking of Purchase Orders * Manage inventory through responding to changes in demand, supporting new product development, managing packaging transitions and run outs * Function as backup for other commodities purchased as necessary * Prepare material forecasts, reviewing with Suppliers to ensure requirements are met * Communicate packaging changes to Suppliers, including new products, design changes and discontinuations * Packaging/Product Development * Maintain, audit and update packaging database * Identify cost savings opportunities through lower cost materials * Support packaging innovation initiatives * Support Product Development through new product launches, packaging changes, and discontinued products. * Supplier Development * Support through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process.Develop volume and financial analyses, evaluate Supplier responses, and support the development of supplier agreements. * Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance * Lead Supplier partnership meetings; prepare and review supplier scorecard, and address quality and service issues * Process Improvement * Drive continuous improvement in quality, cost and service * Maintain open communication with internal business partners and Suppliers on changes in commodity trends, policies and practices * Drive packaging material cost savings, manage from ideation through execution, track and report results * Lead internal business partners and suppliers to create an effective, integrated Supply Chain * Partner with TWG Quality Assurance to address packaging non-conformance issues * Partner with TWG Quality Assurance to manage the testing and qualification of new packaging materials. * Respond to requests from Accounts Payable to resolve invoice discrepancies and explain variances * Update Cost Accounting with pricing changes * This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

* **Subject Matter Expertise:** Has knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, cost drivers, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. * Possesses the ability to effectively communicate information and ideas verbally and in writing. Demonstrates the ability to communicate with individuals inside and outside the organization, representing a positive image of TWG to employees and suppliers. * **Critical Thinking:** Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. * **Attention to Detail :** Possesses the ability to complete complex work, ensuring all information is correct and accurate. * **Interpersonal Relationships:** Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintains them over time. **PHYSICAL DEMANDS** * Primary work activities are within an office environment. **QUALIFICATIONS** * Bachelor degree in business or related field required * Three to five years of experience within Supply Chain, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Warehousing, Distribution, or Finance * CPG and/or wine industry experience preferred * Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Suite: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, SharePoint * Experience using JD Edwards or comparable ERP software * Must embrace and demonstrate The Wine Group Core Values - Performance, Empowered and Cost-mindful, and keep them in mind when making all decisions.