Procurement & Project Planner at Epic Canning & Bottling Inc – Shreveport, Louisiana

Position Summary

In this role, you will serve as the main point of contact for clients while leading procurement and project coordination activities within a beverage manufacturing and copackaging environment. You will manage the end-to-end client experience—ensuring accurate order processing, timely material sourcing, and seamless project execution. A strong focus will be placed on supplier management, material planning, and cost efficiency while upholding food safety, regulatory compliance, and client satisfaction.

This is not a remote position

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Client Service & Account Management

• Serve as the primary liaison for assigned client accounts, ensuring consistent communication, accurate order entry, and proactive follow-up.
• Support client onboarding and ongoing engagement, ensuring alignment between client requirements and internal capabilities.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through responsiveness, professionalism, and industry knowledge.
• Participate in client calls, prepare meeting recaps, and provide clear action plans for internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor project milestones and maintain detailed documentation for client and internal reference.

Procurement & Supply Chain Management

• Lead procurement of raw materials, packaging, and copackaging supplies to support client projects.
• Develop and manage supplier relationships, including performance monitoring, compliance verification, and approval processes.
• Negotiate pricing, freight terms, and supply agreements to optimize cost and efficiency.
• Maintain accurate procurement data, including lead times, forecasts, cost tracking, and vendor performance metrics.
• Manage material requirements planning (MRP) to align client demand with inventory levels and production schedules.
• Expedite urgent orders to prevent production delays while balancing cost and efficiency.
• Investigate and resolve invoice, freight, or order discrepancies in collaboration with suppliers and finance.

Project Management & Coordination

• Oversee projects from initiation through completion, ensuring timelines, specifications, and deliverables are met.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and logistics teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Track project progress, identify risks, and implement corrective actions to prevent delays or non-conformance.
• Prepare accurate reports and updates for clients and management, highlighting project status, risks, and solutions.
• Ensure alignment between client specifications and supplier deliverables, particularly in custom packaging and formulation projects.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all suppliers meet food safety, packaging, and copackaging compliance requirements.
• Maintain documentation for supplier certifications, client-specific permits, and regulatory approvals.
• Support SQF and other certification processes by managing supplier compliance records.
• Report any food safety concerns immediately to the SQF Practitioner or Senior Manager.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in procurement, project management, or account management within the beverage manufacturing or copackaging industry.
• Strong background in material planning, forecasting, supplier negotiations, and purchasing.
• Experience with packaging (cans, labels, films, cartons) and ingredients procurement strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and MRP/ERP systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a detail-oriented approach.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.

Preferred Skills

• Experience conducting supplier audits and managing supplier compliance programs.
• Familiarity with food safety certifications (SQF, HACCP, etc.) and CPG best practices.
• Knowledge of logistics, freight negotiations, and cost optimization strategies.
• Ability to provide strategic procurement recommendations and operational improvements.

Work Environment

• Full-time, on-site role in a beverage manufacturing facility.
• Flexibility in schedule may be required to meet client, supplier, and project deadlines.