Associate Buyer, Packaging Supply Chain

Blistex Inc•Oak Brook, IL

6d•$55,000 - $67,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Are you early in your supply chain career and looking to build hands-on experience in procurement and operations? Join our Packaging Supply Chain team as an Associate Buyer, where you’ll develop core purchasing, supplier management, and inventory planning skills. In this entry-level role, you’ll support sourcing and procurement of packaging materials, collaborate cross-functionally, and help ensure continuity of supply in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This is a great opportunity to establish a strong foundation and grow into managing supplier relationships and material categories.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field preferred
0–2 years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, or operations
Internship experience in supply chain, particularly in procurement or purchasing, is a strong plus
Exposure to manufacturing or regulated environments is a plus
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (filters, pivot tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP)
Analytical mindset with ability to interpret basic supply and demand signals
Effective written communication and stakeholder collaboration skills
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Comfortable working independently with a proactive, self-directed approach

Nice To Haves

Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems is a plus
APICS/CSCP certification is a plus

Responsibilities

Process requisitions and create purchase orders for packaging materials
Review specifications, obtain quotes, and document competitive bids
Track order confirmations, pricing, and delivery timelines
Monitor backorders and proactively expedite critical materials
Communicate with suppliers to confirm order status and ensure delivery commitments
Support negotiation of pricing and lead times
Build and maintain strong supplier relationships
Monitor vendor performance and escalate issues as needed
Analyze MRP outputs to place timely and accurate orders
Help maintain appropriate inventory levels based on demand signals
Track inbound shipments and communicate updates to stakeholders
Maintain accurate vendor, pricing, and item data within ERP systems (e.g., SAP)
Ensure purchasing documentation is complete and compliant
Support documentation updates and internal recordkeeping standards
Resolve vendor invoice discrepancies in partnership with Accounts Payable
Partner with Quality to address supplier quality issues and returns
Support adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and SOPs
Partner with Production, Operations, Quality, and Receiving teams
Communicate material availability, risks, and delivery timelines
Support continuity of supply across packaging categories
Contribute ideas to improve purchasing processes, data accuracy, and supplier reliability
Build knowledge of packaging supply chain processes and apply learnings to daily work