Converting Category Specialist

What if you were given the opportunity and responsibility to make a difference? At International Paper, you control your destiny. We offer challenging assignments and total rewards in countries around the world. When we say infinite possibilities, we mean it. Apply now and join a community that improves people’s lives, the planet and our company’s performance by transforming renewable resources into products people depend on every day.

Position Title: 

Converting Category Specialist

Pay Rate:

$65,100 – $86,800

Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range.

Category/Shift:

Salaried Full-Time

Location: 

Preferred Markets: Memphis; Cincinnati; Atlanta

The Job You Will Perform:

Perform procurement, sourcing and analytical functions to support IP’s Converting locations in securing goods and/or services for the facility in accordance with purchasing policy and delegated authority so to maximize total value received and produce results that contribute to the meeting of the facility’s business objectives.  The position reports to one of IP’s Converting Regional Sourcing Leaders and will be located in a hybrid work environment.   Position level will vary depending upon experience and education of the successful candidate.

Key Responsibilities:

•    Provide prompt and professional purchasing and analytical services to internal customers by communicating effectively with Converting Proc Ops Regional Sourcing Leaders, Converting plant location team members and the Capgemini team.

•    Provide leadership for the Raw Materials/MRO blanket order team (I99 purchasing group) and partner with COE Source, Capgemini and Global Sourcing team members to improve the blanket order process.

•    Act as the Converting Proc Ops liaison to other Global Sourcing teams to help with vendor changes, coordination of Outline Agreement updates and other broad changes needed to support Sourcing Strategies.

•    Collaborate with Converting and Capgemini teams to ensure purchased goods and services are of acceptable quality and meet established specifications and requirements

•    Recommend new suppliers based on quality, service, and competitive pricing

•    Prepare and publish specifications for bids, evaluate bid responses, verify history of supplier service and ability to meet contract specifications, and negotiate contracts

•    Track and report on Global Sourcing Agreement compliance within Converting and work with other Proc Ops team members on developing strategies or projects required to improve compliance

•    Obtain maximum value for IP regarding cost, quality, delivery and service levels

•    Track and report supplier performance and escalate supplier issues as appropriate

•    Pursue opportunities to consolidate purchases and competitively source materials under local, regional, and national contracts

•    Ensure adherence to IP Corporate financial and purchasing policies and procedures

•    Assist Converting Proc Ops team with MDM (Master Data Management) project deliverables associated with material number and material description creation or updates.

•    Guide and influence Converting plants on timely goods receipts to keep Accounts Payable issues within a manageable range.

•    Help coordinate any goods returns or order cancellations with Capgemini and Converting plant team members.

•    Strategize and execute tactics to ensure contract obligation management

•    Assist in updating system pricing related to Converting agreements to ensure fluid Procure to Pay process

Working Conditions:

•    Must be able to wear all required personal safety equipment including but not limited to eye protection, hearing protection, steel-toed boats, and fall protection in elevated positions when on-site at any facility.

•    Will be required to work extended hours at times

•    Will be required to travel up to 20%

The Skills You Will Bring:

•    Minimum 1 year purchasing/storeroom experience including bidding, negotiating, and administering contracts and agreements is preferred

•    Pulp and Paper Mill experience preferred.  Industrial/manufacturing experience required.

•    Effective Written & Verbal Communication Skills

•    Proficient in Computer Use

•    Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, Power Point, Access and Outlook

•    SAP Business Software Knowledge Preferred 

•    Education:  BA or BS degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Finance or Business Administration preferred

The key competencies for the successful candidate are as follows:

• Negotiating
• Customer Focus
• Priority Setting
• Integrity & Trust
• Action Oriented
• Drive for Results
• Organizing
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Functional/Technical Skills

The Benefits You Will Enjoy:

International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets. 

The Impact You Will Make:

We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 120 years. Join our team and you’ll see why our team members say they’re Proud to be IP.

The Culture You Will Experience:

International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring, and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged, and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.

The Company You Will Join:

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 2022 were $21.2 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting InternationalPaper.com.

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.  International Paper complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact reasonable.accommodations@ipaper.com or (877) 973-3919.
Memphis, Cincinnati, Atlanta  TN, OH, GA