Job description

This Procurement Agent/Lead role gives successful candidates the opportunity to learn new skills and grow their careers with our successful B2B and ecommerce brands in Melrose Park. Success in this role could lead to leadership opportunities within our Procurement team.

The Procurement Agent for the Food category is responsible for the purchasing of food products/components for DesignPac wholesale gifts, and Direct-to-consumer divisions: Simply Chocolate and 1-800-Baskets.com. This position is highly cross-functional and collaborates with departments such as Product Development, Logistics, Quality Assurance, Sales, Production, Ecommerce, Structural/Graphics and Operations. This position works with current vendors to manage product specifications, purchase orders and performance to expectations. In addition, this role will assist in identifying and qualifying new potential suppliers to bring into the DesignPac vendor portfolio. This role has an indirect impact on profitability through improving supplier performance and cost management.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct vendor meetings and visit factories and trade shows in-person and virtual) as needed. Some overseas travel may be required.
• Source and build relationships with new qualified vendors
• Strategize/collaborate with Sales/Design teams for best product opportunities and costing
• Work with suppliers and Manager to develop private label opportunities/options (and branding/co-branding artwork with vendors and Graphics team)
• Strategize/execute Design Team meetings/timelines for new line development
• Build/Develop strong team relationships/communication and collaborate appropriately
• Generate Purchase orders and communicate orders to vendors and negotiate costs, terms and conditions
• Communicate/requirements costing/quotes, inventory and accurate data entry in BAAN and Product Lifecycle Management System
• Strive to provide multiple sourcing options resulting in achieving/exceed corporate margin objectives
• Work with Food Manager to develop appropriate spread sheets and system reports to manage all food needs
• Work with designers, art and graphics teams, sales and vendors to receive artwork approvals
• Research, select, evaluate and introduce new suppliers/opportunities that are aligned with company strategies
• Ensure timely delivery and flow of components through communication, monitoring and tracking while following up with vendors, warehouses and appropriate internal team members
• Work on strategic projects with vendors as directed by Food Manager
• Actively manage vendor performance, maintain/build vendor relationships/partnerships/alliances expanding viable vendor base, maximizing profitability, minimizing buying risks and achieving financial objectives
• Work with QC Team and vendors on inspections
• Supplier compliance management and issue resolution
• Work with the logistic department on incoming truck, ocean and air shipments
• Manage and request Samples, revisions, according to detailed specifications as per designer’s needs
• Maintain and share knowledge of market conditions and market trends, pricing, etc. as they relate to key items and categories and impact sales. Provide appropriate category analysis.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree required
• 2+ years Buying/Purchasing experience (Food experience preferred)
• Analytical and comfortable with numbers
• Work autonomously and address problems in a structured, logical manner
• Possess initiative, a positive attitude and ability to thrive individually, as well as in a team and fast-paced environment
• Strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal, prioritization, multi-tasking and communication skill sets
• Proficient with MSOffice, MS Excel and have working knowledge of MS Power Point
• Proficiency with MS Access is a plus

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Melrose Park, IL: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Procurement: 2 years (Required)
• Purchasing: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: One location

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