Senior Purchasing Agent, Outside Services

IWCO Direct•Chanhassen, MN

43d•$80,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Sr. Purchasing Agent, Outside Services, is responsible for sourcing print-related purchases within established timeframes to minimize total cost of ownership, minimize risk, optimize supplier performance, and deliver business objectives.

Requirements

Excellent interpersonal, communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills.
Proven ability to organize and manage multiple priorities and projects while balancing changing client and company needs.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with purchasing utilizing an ERP system.
Strong understanding of the direct mail workflow, envelope manufacturing, conventional and digital printing, various facets of finishing (including bindery and cards), and lettershop
Ability to work independently, managing various activities with limited direction, while achieving defined operational and department objectives.
Bachelor's degree in a related discipline.
7+ years of outside services experience in direct mail, lettershop, print, and or fulfillment industry.
Ability to work 8 hours consecutively.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to understand and execute category business requirements.
Lead requesting and evaluating quotes from outside service providers, reviewing estimates, and finalizing project pricing.
Build and maintain productive, mutually beneficial, and strategic relationships with suppliers, including supplier selection, negotiation, and performance evaluation.
Research alternative products and/or alternate suppliers as needed or assigned.
Source outside print service requirements and create purchase orders in Monarch to place orders with suppliers.
Manage outsourced services and products for quality and timeliness, ensuring quality control and material compliance.
Act as a subject matter expert for non IWCO products for IWCO Sales and Account Management and all internal resources.
Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to quickly resolve issues and answer questions as they arise.
Maintain accurate transaction records in ERP systems.
Serve as a mentor for other team members including training.
Provide back-up support for other Sr. Purchasing Agents / Purchasing Agents as needed.
Establish and maintain professional and appropriate relationships with all suppliers and internal teams.
Perform other duties as applicable or assigned.