Senior Buyer

Visual Comfort • Skokie, IL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Buyer collaborates with vendors, product development, sales teams, and demand planning to ensure product availability and efficient supply chain operations for complex product lines. The role manages the purchase order lifecycle, uses MRP and demand reports to generate and track purchase orders, monitors supplier production status, coordinates expedites and deferrals, and supports inventory and procurement strategies through proactive supply planning and on-time delivery execution. The Senior Buyer also takes a leadership role within the Purchasing team, leads small cross-functional projects, and mentors Associate Buyers and Buyers.

Success involves facilitating supply planning to maintain product availability across the Visual Comfort & Co. network; managing domestic and international purchase orders; monitoring inventory, supplier schedules, and performance; resolving supply constraints and customer escalations; analyzing data and preparing forecasts, reports, dashboards, and other analyses; managing supplier relationships and negotiations; and coordinating with internal and international teams. The role is expected to demonstrate commitment, dependability, punctuality, and adherence to the agreed schedule, maintaining a consistent workplace presence to collaborate effectively.

The position is listed with a compensation range of $92,000–$95,000. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the description also states availability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, early mornings, and late evenings.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in supply planning, inventory planning, procurement, sourcing, business analysis, or operations within a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Accounting, Operations Management, or a related quantitative field; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Strong aptitude for and proficiency navigating systems and programs.
• Strong knowledge of MRP/DRP systems, inventory planning methodologies, procurement processes, strategic sourcing, and cost analysis principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and business intelligence reporting tools.
• Demonstrated analytical skills, including defining problems, researching and collecting data, evaluating alternatives, and providing actionable business recommendations.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and changing priorities.
• Ability to achieve results independently and through others by fostering teamwork and cooperation.
• Exceptional communication across email, chat, phone, and other contact channels.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, early mornings, and late evenings.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in interior design, custom home building products, luxury home furnishings, or the lighting industry.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate supply planning activities to ensure appropriate product availability across the company network for assigned items.
• Manage purchase orders with domestic and international suppliers using MRP recommendations to support forecasted demand and inventory objectives.
• Monitor inventory levels, supplier production schedules, and supply performance against In Stock %, Months of Supply, and On-Time Delivery goals.
• Troubleshoot supply constraints, shortages, engineering changes, supplier transitions, and customer service escalations to minimize business disruption.
• Execute supplier expedites, deferrals, and purchase order adjustments in response to changing forecasts and business requirements.
• Analyze inventory, supplier, and operational data to identify trends, risks, cost-saving opportunities, and support business decisions.
• Review and prepare supplier forecasts, inventory reports, KPI dashboards, and ad hoc analyses to support planning and procurement strategies.
• Manage supplier relationships, including performance monitoring, lead-time and MOQ negotiations, cost-reduction initiatives, payment issue resolution, and strategic supplier development.
• Collaborate with sales, product management, accounting, customer service, and international teams to understand upcoming business impacts and ensure continuity of supply.
• Lead small cross-functional projects, such as production transitions and new item introductions.
• Mentor Associate Buyers and Buyers on purchasing and supply planning functions.
• Adhere to established company values and demonstrate commitment, dependability, punctuality, and adherence to the agreed-upon schedule.

Benefits

• Structured training program and ongoing education and career advancement opportunities.
• Generous vacation accrual and paid time off policies.
• Seven paid holidays per year and two floating holidays.
• Company covers the majority of employee medical premiums.
• Vision and dental coverage available starting the first of the month following the start date.
• Company-provided life insurance and short-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) plan with company matching up to 4%, available beginning the first of the month following hire.

What This Job Offers

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