Purchasing Specialist, Prints

About our family of companies:

We are on a mission to bring learning to life! At our family of companies, Learning Resources, Educational Insights, and hand2mind, we create a unique range of toys, educational products and supplemental curriculum trusted by teachers and loved by families alike. Voted among the Chicago Tribune's Top Workplaces for the last four consecutive years, we are a 350-person strong, family-owned organization dedicated to helping kids succeed in school and develop a love of learning. In addition to high-quality, hands-on products like VersaTiles and Cuisenaire Rods, we make award-winning toys, including top sellers such as the Pretend & Play Cash Register, the Farmer's Market Color Sorting Set and Toy of the Year winner Botley the Coding Robot as well as Educational Insights top sellers Kanoodle, GeoSafari Jr. series, and Playfoam. We pride ourselves on being committed to our employee's personal and professional development, a thriving culture and a diverse, creative atmosphere. Along with our culture and competitive benefits package, we offer opportunities for training and development by Harvard and UCLA professors as well as in-demand, motivating external speakers. We are looking for professionals who are truly just kids at heart! We hope you'll come join our award-winning team today!

Position Description:

We are currently seeking a Purchasing Specialist, Prints who is responsible for accurately buying high-quality print products from domestic and import suppliers at the best possible price. This fast-paced position will work cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders to achieve the highest level of customer service. Individual must have an advanced working knowledge of MRP to successfully manage, control and optimize stocking levels of assigned products.

Scope of Responsibilities:

• Reviewing all requisitions for print purchases and generating purchase orders

• Categorizing 6000+ print products, apply procurement strategy for different types of products. Allocate matching print capabilities to proper print jobs for cost savings.

• Preparing quotation requests for all printed material by itemizing specifications and emailing to vendors

• Issuing complete and accurate purchase orders for print jobs, including necessary details

• Organizing requirements of quarterly print projects, ensuring correct materials are ordered and placed into proper packets, while meeting delivery date requirements

• Working with printers and mail houses to establish schedule for monthly programs, communicating modifications as appropriate.

• Understanding and relaying technical printing information internally as needed

• Maintaining Actual vs. Budget Spreadsheet for all purchased items, tracking quantities and costs

• Other duties for this role will be assigned as necessary/appropriate

Requirements/Preferences:

• Bachelor's Degree required - Degree in Supply Chain, Operations preferred.

• 10+ years experience in print industry sourcing, production, marketing etc.

• Experienced knowledge of ERP/ MRP/ Inventory systems.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Access.

Ideal Attributes:

• Must be detail-oriented

• Expertise of printing, bindery and letter shop processes

• 10+ years commercial print purchasing, production, project management experience preferred

• Experience with CPM (Commercial Print Management)

• Proficient in MS Office, particularly Excel

• Excellent teamwork & collaboration skills

• Presentation skills and publish speaking skills

• Desire to develop, learn, and grow with a team.

• Must be able to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.

• Must be a self-starter who can work under pressure, meet deadlines, and execute independently.

• Must be able to extract and analyze data to make critical decisions.

• Written and oral skills with a history of effectively conveying messages appropriate to a variety of audiences internally as well as externally.

• Must effectively interact with various internal customers and other managers; communication ability and interpersonal skills are critical.

• Ability to work some night hours when there is a need for verbal communication, via phone, with Asian suppliers.

Physical Demands:

• Standing - up to 10% of the time

• Sitting - up to 90% of the time

• Traveling - up to 20% of the time

We are a drug-free workplace and an EEO employer.

Please note: This role will be filled by our internal recruitment team, so no assistance is needed from any outside staffing agency at this time.