Buyer I

JACK RICHESON & CO INC • Kimberly, WI

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Buyer I is responsible for sourcing and procuring raw materials, packaging materials, and finished goods essential to the production of consumer goods. This role supports procurement activities across a complex product environment consisting of approximately 2,726 SKUs and $3 million in inventory, including materials associated with paper, wood, and related product categories.
The Buyer I works closely with production, sales, and warehouse teams to ensure materials are available to meet operational demands. This role plays a critical part in optimizing Jack Richeson & Company’s supply chain by proactively identifying sourcing opportunities and maintaining strong vendor relationships. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, cost-conscious, and confident navigating sourcing decisions that directly impact production continuity and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Economics, or a related field, or equivalent related work experience
• 1-3 years of professional experience as a Buyer or in a similar procurement role preferred
• Three or more years of professional sourcing experience preferred
• Background in sourcing or procurement within a $10M+ organization
• Professional experience in sourcing international suppliers required
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Programs, with expertise in Excel, and experienced with procurement software
• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and market trends
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools
• Knowledge of supply chain management principles and best practices
• Detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently with minimal supervision
• Ethical and professional conduct in all interactions
• Ability to travel to other company locations and vendors as needed, including overnight travel

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing initiatives for raw materials and finished goods based on demand forecasts, sales trends, and production needs.
• Actively collaborate with planning, production, and sales to understand short- and long-term material requirements.
• Prioritize internal inventory optimization by sourcing from within Jack Richeson & Company’s network before engaging external suppliers.
• Evaluate sourcing alternatives to reduce lead times, minimize costs, and mitigate supply risk.
• Partner with internal teams to align procurement activities with business objectives, ensuring sourcing decisions support product availability and margin goals.
• Provide insights and recommendations on material substitution, internal transfers, or excess inventory utilization.
• Work closely with Sales and Operations to ensure sourced items meet performance and compliance requirements.
• Establish and maintain strong vendor relationships, regularly evaluating performance related to pricing, lead time, quality, and service.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to achieve optimal value and reliability.
• Support contract reviews and ongoing supplier agreements to ensure consistent supply and cost stability.
• Maintain accurate sourcing data, including lead times, costs, and MOQ requirements within procurement systems.
• Monitor SKU-level inventory data to identify purchasing triggers, prevent stockouts, and reduce slow-moving inventory.
• Support continuous improvement of procurement and inventory processes.
• Generate and analyze procurement reports related to cost savings, supplier performance, and inventory health.
• Provide sourcing insights to support leadership decisions and contribute to the overall supply chain strategy.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Comprehensive benefit package including quality health insurance, vision, dental, disability and life insurance
• Traditional 401k plan
• Paid time off including paid holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level