Purchasing Manager

Cenveo Envelope Group•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Cenveo, a leading North American manufacturer of envelopes with more than 100 years of industry expertise and an annual production of approximately 30 billion envelopes, is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to join our team in Chicago, IL. This role is ideal for an experienced Supply Chain professional with strong purchasing expertise and a background in manufacturing; print industry experience is a plus. Cenveo offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package. Job Summary The Purchasing Manager leads all procurement and inventory management functions essential to envelope manufacturing operations. This role oversees the strategic sourcing and purchasing of key raw materials and MRO supplies--including paper rolls, paper sheets, cartons, and window film--to ensure uninterrupted production and cost-effective operations. A core responsibility of this position is maintaining optimal inventory levels through accurate forecasting, demand planning, and disciplined inventory control practices. The Purchasing Manager works to minimize waste, prevent material shortages, and support production schedules with reliable, timely supply. This role also develops and manages supplier relationships, negotiates pricing and contracts, and drives continuous improvement across purchasing processes. Success requires strong analytical and organizational skills, effective leadership, and the ability to balance cost control with operational reliability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
8+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing or distribution with strong focus on forecasting, planning, and purchasing.
Proficient with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, etc.) and Microsoft Office.
Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to drive urgency and results.
Proven ability to solve business issues, manage cross‑functional teams, and lead projects.
Analytical, detail‑oriented, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment.
Able to collaborate effectively with management, sales, customers, vendors, and teams across multiple locations.

Nice To Haves

Process‑manufacturing experience preferred, print industry background a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead demand forecasting, forecast accuracy analysis, and ongoing forecast management.
Collaborate directly with customers and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment.
Develop inventory strategies including min/max levels, safety stock, lead times, and resource balancing.
Support planning models, outsourcing decisions, and interplant requirements.
Maintain appropriate inventory levels to meet customer fill‑rate requirements while managing working capital.
Identify opportunities for inventory reduction, SKU rationalization, and improved fill rates.
Order and maintain paper inventory levels, as well as other key raw materials.
Manage supplier relationships, quality performance, and cost‑reduction initiatives.
Partner closely with corporate purchasing to ensure alignment with companywide strategies.
Research and evaluate potential suppliers; participate in contract negotiations to secure optimal pricing, terms, and service levels.
Train new employees on purchasing processes and systems.
Support continuous improvement initiatives within the purchasing function.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.