Buyer / Print Manufacturing

Smyth Companies LLC•Mundelein, IL

2d•$58,000 - $62,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Buyer is responsible for ordering and ensuring the timely delivery of raw materials and other outside purchases to keep jobs on schedule and meet required service levels. This role works closely with Production Management and Scheduling and plays a visible part in our Lean Manufacturing and quality efforts — as well as our broader push toward innovation and improving how we use current systems and technology.

Requirements

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the diplomacy and tact to handle and resolve difficult issues
Able to manage time effectively across multiple long- and short-term projects, meeting deadlines consistently
Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and relationship-building skills with a diverse group of people and personalities
Strong math skills, with the ability to build and maintain Excel spreadsheets
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel
Detail-oriented, a strong team player, and comfortable multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment
High school diploma or equivalent required
One or more years of experience in a purchasing role preferred, ideally in a printing environment

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with Lean Manufacturing and ISO quality systems preferred

Responsibilities

Drive accurate, timely purchase orders and materials planning to ensure on-time delivery to jobs, proactively communicating with Production Management and Scheduling on material availability and schedule changes.
Own the end-to-end supplier claims process, driving timely resolution and maximizing dollar recovery, while working with suppliers on corrective actions that prevent recurring issues.
Manage inventory levels and accuracy – including min/max levels – against business objectives, with a strong emphasis on reducing aged inventory and overall days of RM inventory on hand. Assist with inventory counts and reconciliations as needed to ensure accuracy.
Lead cost-reduction projects, RFPs, and supplier consolidation initiatives (e.g., in partnership with R&D), applying strong project management skills to deliver measurable savings.
Build supplier relationships and hold them accountable to service level, quality, and reliability standards that support Smyth's production needs.
Negotiate pricing concessions and extended payment terms across purchase categories to strengthen Smyth's cost and cash position.
Implement systems to minimize production downtime and waste related to raw materials; participate in process improvement efforts for internal and external customers through data collection, standardized procedures, and teamwork.