Purchasing Manager

Company Overview Illing Company Inc is a world-class provider of packaging solutions, driven by creativity, pride, and integrity. Our mission is to deliver the right product at the right time to meet our customers' needs, maintaining a vast inventory and utilizing in-house decoration technologies to respond swiftly to requirements.

Job Summary:

Oversees the sourcing, procurement, and inventory management of packaging and support materials across Illing's facilities in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Georgia. Collaborates cross-functionally with Sales, Customer Service, Accounting, and Operations to optimize internal material flow and ensure efficient supply chain performance. Develops and maintains vendor relationships, negotiates favorable contract terms, and manages inventory turnover and pricing to enhance cost-effectiveness. Monitors supplier performance through KPIs, addresses quality issues, and leads ongoing initiatives to reduce costs and strengthen communication between Illing and vendor facilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Hires, trains, and manages purchasing staff in alignment with company policies and best practices.
• Conducts timely, constructive performance evaluations, and establishes annual SMART goals with staff.
• Monitors staff performance, provides regular feedback, and supports SMART goal achievement.
• Manages disciplinary actions and terminations in coordination with Human Resources.
• Leads and participates in training initiatives that support staff development and continuous improvement.
• Engages in leadership training as needed to enhance supervisory skills.
• Performs additional supervisory duties as assigned.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Support Purchasing Associates with daily operations.
• Manage purchase orders, documentation, invoices, goods receipts, and pricing adjustments using ERP (SyteLine).
• Monitor inventory levels and adjust purchasing parameters based on data analysis.
• Coordinate logistics and resolve supplier shipping, quality, and damage issues (RMAs).
• Track supplier performance using vendor scorecard to ensure quality, on time delivery, and when applicable, contract adherence.
• Support product sourcing and special purchasing projects.
• Analyze seasonal trends in commodity purchasing and adjust accordingly.
• Maintain long-term relationships with key suppliers, ensuring mutual success.
• Manage customer stocking and supply agreements.
• Oversee outside processing jobs by understanding production requirements and the desired end product specifications.
• Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Production, Accounting, and Warehouse teams to streamline operations.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and ethical sourcing standards.
• Update and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Purchasing department.
• Assist in negotiating vendor contracts and ensure adherence to contract terms.
• Track pricing adjustments based on indices and benchmarks to prepare each quarterly Sales letter.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proficiency in companies operating software, MS-Word and MS-Excel. Exposure to ERP preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, demonstrate urgency, and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and appropriate sense of urgency, when working both independently and as a team.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of Buying Support or Supply Chain experience required. Accounting experience a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
• Occasional travel to other Illing locations or supplier sites as required.
• Reasonable accommodations provided for individuals with disabilities.
• Work location: In-office at Illing Headquarters, Richfield, WI.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance On-site gym Paid parental leave Paid time off Parental leave Prescription drug insurance Referral program Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person