Import Purchasing Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Warehouse Manager to lead all warehouse operations in our manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for overseeing receiving, inventory control, material handling, storage, shipping, cycle counting, raw material management, and order fulfillment. The ideal candidate will ensure inventory accuracy, operational efficiency, on-time customer shipments, workplace safety, and the development of a high-performing warehouse team.

What You'll Do

Warehouse Operations

• Manage daily warehouse activities including receiving, put-away, picking, packing, shipping, and returns.
• Ensure customer orders are shipped accurately and on time.
• Develop and implement efficient warehouse processes and workflows.
• Optimize warehouse layout and storage utilization to maximize efficiency.

Inventory Management

• Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle counts and annual physical inventories.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies.
• Partner with Purchasing and Production to monitor inventory levels and material availability.
• Ensure all inventory transactions are accurately recorded within the ERP system.
• Track and manage obsolete, damaged, and slow-moving inventory.
• Maintain FIFO (First-In, First-Out) inventory practices where applicable.

Shipping & Receiving

• Oversee inbound and outbound shipments.
• Verify receiving documentation against purchase orders.
• Ensure shipments meet customer requirements and carrier specifications.
• Prepare shipping documentation, including bills of lading, packing lists, and export documentation as needed.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, train, and develop warehouse personnel.
• Manage staffing schedules to support production and customer demand.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance reviews and support employee development.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and retention efforts.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards and company safety policies.
• Conduct regular warehouse safety inspections.
• Oversee forklift and material handling safety training.
• Maintain organized warehouse conditions using 5S principles.
• Investigate safety incidents and implement corrective actions.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure proper packaging and handling to minimize product damage.
• Support quality initiatives and corrective action programs.
• Participate in Lean and continuous improvement efforts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Production, Purchasing, Customer Service, Engineering, Accounting, and Sales teams.
• Support production schedules by ensuring material availability.
• Participate in planning, inventory, and operations meetings.

Reporting & Metrics

Monitor, analyze, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), including:

• Inventory accuracy
• On-time shipping performance
• Order accuracy
• Warehouse productivity
• Receiving turnaround times
• Freight costs
• Cycle count accuracy
• Safety metrics and incident reporting

Qualifications

Required

• 5–7 years of warehouse leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse operations, inventory control, and logistics best practices.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Epicor, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, Genius ERP, or similar platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Forklift certification or the ability to obtain certification.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in electrical, electronics, LED lighting, or industrial manufacturing.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and Kaizen methodologies.
• Experience with barcoding, scanning systems, and cycle counting programs.
• Knowledge of international shipping, import/export documentation, and OSHA compliance.
• Experience analyzing warehouse performance metrics and KPIs.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand and walk throughout the warehouse.
• Lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment.
• Occasionally climb ladders and work in varying warehouse temperatures.

Labor Solutions, LLC is a leader in the professional, temporary, and direct hire industry throughout the Midwest area. Our clients range from individual entrepreneurs to large corporations, and while we are big enough to serve Fortune 100 companies, we are small enough to stay nimble in an always-changing market.

Thank you!