Packaging Subject Matter Expert & Inventory Manager

We are looking for our next Packaging Subject Matter Expert & Inventory Manager within our Supply Chain Team. The Packaging Subject Matter Expert & Inventory Manager serves as the site expert for packaging materials used in RAI products while overseeing packaging inventory management, supplier relationships, forecasting, procurement, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role combines technical packaging expertise, complaint investigation, and cross-functional collaboration with responsibility for managing approximately $3.5 million in packaging inventory and more than $8 million in annual packaging expenditures.

This position is located in Keokuk, IA.

The current salary range for this role is estimated to be $68,483- $90,000
. In addition, this position may also be eligible to earn performance-based incentive compensation. The specific compensation offered to a candidate will be influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

• Serve as the site Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all packaging materials and packaging requirements used in RAI products.
• Lead and support packaging complaint investigations and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) activities for internal and external customer issues.
• Maintain packaging specifications, databases, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Support supplier audits and collaborate with Supplier Quality Assurance as the packaging SME.
• Partner with Sales, Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Customer Care teams on packaging-related projects and customer requirements.
• Source new suppliers and packaging solutions while providing technical expertise during supplier evaluations and negotiations.
• Support global packaging initiatives and ensure compliance with company packaging standards.
• Manage approximately $3.5 million in packaging inventory, including inventory held at third-party logistics providers.
• Forecast packaging demand, monitor stock levels, and communicate inventory requirements to suppliers.
• Create purchase requisitions, manage blanket releases, and oversee annual packaging expenditures exceeding $8 million.
• Perform SAP inventory management activities, including inventory balancing, reporting, cost analysis, and purchasing support.
• Conduct physical inventory audits and develop strategies to reduce excess and slow-moving inventory.
• Create and maintain packaging labels using Easylabel.
• Provide inventory reporting, consumption forecasts, and cross-functional communication to support operational needs.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Management, or a related field.
• MBA preferred.

• Minimum 5 years of logistics, distribution, supply chain, inventory management, or packaging-related experience.
• Experience with packaging materials, specifications, and packaging supply chains preferred.
• Experience managing supplier relationships, procurement activities, and inventory forecasting.
• Experience conducting Root Cause Analysis and complaint investigations preferred.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Knowledge of packaging materials, specifications, and industry best practices.
• Knowledge of purchasing, procurement, inventory management, and supply chain operations.
• Experience using SAP and inventory management systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• High level of organization, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations preferred.
• Experience with Easylabel and database management…