Purchasing - Buyer

Talent Acquisition Team•Arcola, IL

22h

About The Position

THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN CELEBRATING STUDENT MILESTONES – HERFF JONES Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. Herff Jones' products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, diplomas, frames, announcements, and Greek accessories as well as motivation and recognition programs. Since 1920, our team has worked alongside students, faculty, and staff on campuses nationwide to help build a stronger community and celebrate student milestones. Our continued success relies on hiring extraordinary talent, with a passion for making a difference and eagerness to roll up the sleeves, to help us write the story of our next 100 years. HERFF JONES, Buyer – Arcola, IL YOUR OPPORTUNITY: The Herff Jones Operations team, based in Arcola, IL is looking for a Buyer to join our team. Here's How You’ll Make an Impact: Reporting to the Procurement Supervisor, your main responsibilities will be to ensure an un-interrupted flow of goods and services through cooperation with Production Teams, Material Planners, Quality Assurance personnel and various other corporate teams. Above all else you'll be an agent for change as we launch multiple new initiatives to streamline how we do business and increase the quality of product we deliver to our clients. At Herff Jones we may have been around for 100 years, but we still have the mentality of a scrappy startup. For you, that means your job may grow and change over time. But don’t worry, we would never ask an employee to take on an assignment they didn’t already have the right skill sets they needed to succeed. As we see it for right now, however, here are the challenges that we want you to tackle:

Requirements

Experience in a fast-paced environment with a mindset of continuous improvement.
1 to 3 years office experience, preferably in a Procurement or Planning function.
Comfortable with Microsoft Office programs and similar systems such as Oracle, SAP or the like.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Customer Service mindset with the ability to change directions mid-stream if needed.
Occasionally required to move/lift 40lbs or less.
Must be able to sit at a desk for extended periods of time.
Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods of time.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain or similar field preferred.
Associates degree + 2 years in a comparable role is considered in leu of a bachelor’s degree.
4 + years in a Purchasing or Planning role is considered in leu of educational requirements.

Responsibilities

Ensure timely ordering and delivery of needed goods and services.
Drive cost reduction initiatives to achieve best possible quality at the lowest possible cost.
Accurately track and report key functional metrics.
Determine optimal stock/inventory levels and requirements.
Be a team player with the ability to lead small groups towards a desired outcome.
Analyzing data to determine the need for, and timely placement of purchase orders for production materials and services at agreed to cost.
Review open purchase orders and follow up with suppliers to ensure on time delivery, pricing accuracy and communicate expedite needs as they arise.
Work with management staff, end users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action.
Obtain and distribute MSDS information where needed and acts as a partner with the Health and Safety team.
Initiate cost savings conversations with the supply base.
Other responsibilities as assigned.