Director Purchasing Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Who we are:

Visual Comfort & Co. is the premier resource for decorative and architectural lighting, ceiling fans, system controls and automated shading solutions from the most influential designers in the world. We are proud to offer a market-leading range of premium products across categories, styles and price points, remaining committed to beautiful design and, above all, a world-class customer experience.

This role is responsible for leading the procurement strategy and supplier partnerships across all of Visual Comfort.  This role oversees the purchasing and supply planning of all product ensuring optimal inventory levels, strong in-stock and competitive cost structures. The Purchasing Director will work closely with the Demand Planning team to balance product availability with inventory investment across the entire Visual Comfort supply chain network and distribution channels.  In addition, the Purchasing Director develops and maintains strategic supplier relationships, evaluating vendor capabilities, lead times, quality standards, and service levels and cost.  The Purchasing Director will establish best practices and lead a team of purchasing team members across various work locations, for example Houston, Skokie, and China.

Visual Comfort Offers:

• Work-Life Balance: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm with flexibility to support global partners
• Training & Development: A comprehensive and structured training program, complemented by ongoing education and opportunities for career advancement.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation accrual and paid time off policies.
• Holidays: 7 paid holidays per year, in addition to 2 floating holidays.
• Compensation: Competitive compensation plan
• Health Benefits: Visual Comfort covers the majority of employee medical premiums, and offers competitive vision and dental coverage available starting the first of the month following your start date.
• Insurance: Company-provided life insurance and short-term disability coverage.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching up to 4%, available beginning the first of the month following your hire date.

How success is defined:

Facilitate

• Facilitate supplier meetings and team members to review and resolve problems or issues as needed
• Coordinate product launches, transitions, and phase-outs to minimize excess and obsolescence
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with key lighting manufacturers and vendors
• Evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, service levels, delivery performance, and innovation
• Conduct quarterly and annual vendor performance reviews
• Lead vendor scorecard programs to drive accountability and continuous improvement

Negotiate

• Where needed, negotiate pricing, rebates, payment terms, freight agreements, and annual contracts to maximize margin

Troubleshoot

• Review and resolve any discrepancies with supplier invoices, grievances, claims, conflicts, product non-conformance, or quality issues

Monitor

• Oversee replenishment planning across multiple product categories and suppliers
• Manage long lead-time and overseas supply chains to minimize stockouts and supply disruptions
• Develop supply continuity plans and mitigate risks related to vendor capacity, transportation, and geopolitical factors
• Analyze supplier lead times and performance metrics to optimize purchasing schedules

Manage

• Manage and mentor a dynamic team of purchasing professionals
• Develop and execute inventory strategies that balance product availability with working capital optimization
• Establish target inventory levels, safety stock parameters, and reorder points across warehouses and branches
• Monitor inventory turnover, fill rates, aging, and excess/obsolete inventory; implement corrective actions as needed
• Develop an overall vendor base which creates and sustains a competitive advantage
• Manage all VCC purchasing business accounts (Amazon, Omnia, Travel Program)

Analyze

• Supply planning and stocking strategies to optimize in-stock while controlling inventory investment and cost

Review and Prepare

• Review and resolve discrepancies with supplier-related documentation or performance issues (cross-categorized with Troubleshoot)
• Report on the measurable status of supplier performance and progress (cross-categorized with Monitor)
• Lead S&OP meetings on product transitions and supply gaps with corrective actions identified (cross-categorized with Facilitate)
• Prepare and review data or documentation related to supplier contracts, cost models, and inventory levels

Additional

• Works effectively with others in a team environment to accomplish organizational goals and to identify and resolve problems.
• Exhibits and adheres to the established Visual Comfort Company Values.
• Exhibits and adheres to the established Visual Comfort Company Values.
• Must demonstrate commitment, dependability, punctuality, and adherence to agreed-upon schedule while maintaining a consistent presence in the workplace to effectively collaborate and communicate amongst co-workers and teams.

What you will bring:

• 7 -10 years' previous experience in Purchasing, Supply Planning, or relevant Supply Chain discipline. Minimum of 5 years of management experience.
• Bachelors Degree, Masters degree a plus
• Strong aptitude for and proficiency navigating Planning and Replenishment systems
• Experience in interior design, custom home building products, luxury home furnishings and/or lighting industry a plus
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with a strong attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and changing priorities
• Ability to achieve results both independently and through others by fostering a spirit of teamwork and cooperation
• Demonstrate exceptional communication across all contact channels, including email, chat and phone
• Available to work a flexible schedule including weekends, early mornings, late evenings
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for this role

Compensation Range: $160,000 - $175,000

Compensation is based on individual factors, including skill set, relevant experience, and work location

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