Purchasing Inventory Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Title: Purchasing Manager
Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Schedule/Location: Onsite daily 8 am - 5 pm CT in Waukegan, IL
Salary Range: $80,000 - $125,000
Position Overview
The Purchasing Manager oversees and directs all procurement activities for the company, ensuring the timely, cost-effective, and quality-driven acquisition of materials and supplies. The Purchasing Manager leads, trains, and mentors the purchasing team, ensuring performance targets are met, and procurement policies and strategies are implemented effectively. The role collaborates closely with the Sourcing Manager on supplier improvement initiatives, ensuring the purchasing function supports overall supply chain efficiency and operational goals.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and manage the purchasing team, including recruiting, developing, training, and providing performance feedback to staff.
• Coordinate and oversee the daily activities of the purchasing department, ensuring smooth operations and teamwork.
• Develop and execute purchasing strategies that support the company's goals, ensuring the timely acquisition of materials and supplies.
• Work closely with the Sourcing Manager to improve supplier performance and address any issues related to quality, delivery, or pricing.
• Monitor and optimize inventory levels to reduce warehousing costs and improve JIT procurement processes.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including Quality Control, Manufacturing, and Planning, to ensure the timely and accurate sourcing of materials.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives and implement strategies to achieve cost reduction targets across all purchasing categories.
• Ensure that the purchasing process aligns with organizational quality standards, regulatory compliance, and sustainability goals.
• Manage the purchasing team's workload to ensure that all purchasing functions are carried out efficiently and effectively.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of purchase orders, ensuring timely processing and delivery of materials.
• Monitor and track key purchasing metrics and KPIs to ensure purchasing objectives are met and improve operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with finance to control procurement budgets, ensuring purchasing goals are met while staying within budgetary constraints.
• Assist with the implementation and continuous optimization of the MRP module for effective material planning and procurement.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on supplier performance, inventory levels, and purchasing activity.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and regulations, particularly those related to procurement and purchasing.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts in the purchasing function, leveraging Lean principles, Six Sigma, and other process optimization tools.
Qualifications & Skills
• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Equivalent work experience in a purchasing or procurement role may be considered.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, purchasing, or related functions.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience managing a team of 6+ direct reporting employees.
• Strong understanding of purchasing principles, practices, and supply chain management.
• Specific know-how for procuring packaging materials such as corrugate, plastics, and films, including various vendors and material characteristics.
• Knowledge of bulk chemical raw material preferred.
• Experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams, including Sourcing and Quality teams, to ensure alignment of procurement strategies and execution.
• Proven track record of managing purchasing operations and optimizing inventory and procurement processes.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Strong affinity toward details, timeliness, and cost control.
• Recognizes urgency and influences others to assist without compromising rapport.
• Has self-direction and self-motivation to achieve performance expectations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing teams and driving staff development.
• Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing, Just-In-Time (JIT), and inventory management processes.
• Experience with supplier performance monitoring and applying corrective actions as needed, in collaboration with Sourcing and Quality teams.
• Proficient in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, such as SAP or Oracle, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with MRP, Material Requirements Planning, and inventory management systems.
• Advanced skills in data analysis, reporting, and vendor management tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and senior management.
• Active listening skills, with the ability to understand and address stakeholder concerns.
Physical Requirements
• Able to work for extended periods at a stationary desk, including frequent use of a computer and phone.
• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Normal office noise level; ability to communicate in meetings and presentations.
• Ability to read detailed information and perform extended computer work.
• Occasional travel as necessary.
• Reliable transportation.
• No personal tools or technology required.
Benefits
The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis covered by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, skills, individual performance, and business needs.