Senior Supply Chain Specialist

JAPS-OLSON COMPANY LLC•Saint Louis Park, MN

2d•$90,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Supply Chain Specialist supports high-volume print manufacturing operations by ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement of materials, particularly paper. The role combines strategic sourcing, vendor management, and operational purchasing, with an emphasis on paper markets, negotiation, and supply chain optimization. The specialist works with suppliers and internal teams to align purchasing with production schedules and inventory targets, maintain reliable supply, and identify cost savings. The position also supports the Director of Supply Chain on strategic initiatives and continuous improvement, serves as a resource to purchasing associates, contributes to supplier performance evaluations, and leads internal FSC certification efforts and related audits. The role is based at Japs-Olson Company in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, and is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 4 years of procurement or supply chain experience, preferably in manufacturing or a print-related environment.
Strong knowledge of paper grades, specifications, and sourcing channels.
Proven negotiation and vendor management skills.
Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Commitment to continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

Lead procurement of paper and other key raw materials in alignment with production schedules and inventory targets.
Develop and maintain relationships with paper mills, merchants, and other suppliers to support reliable supply and favorable terms.
Monitor paper product market trends, pricing, and availability to inform purchasing decisions and mitigate risk.
Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements to achieve cost savings and secure continuity of supply.
Collaborate with production, scheduling, and finance teams to forecast material needs and resolve supply issues.
Support purchasing associates and answer their day-to-day questions.
Manage and optimize purchase orders in the ERP system, ensuring accurate pricing, quantities, and delivery timelines.
Support the Director of Supply Chain in strategic initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
Analyze supplier performance and contribute to vendor scorecard evaluations.
Participate in sustainability and ethical sourcing initiatives.
Lead internal FSC certification efforts and coordinate audits with FSC.
Lead major purchasing activities, especially paper buying, and identify savings through inventory management, supplier negotiations, pricing, payment terms, and purchasing strategies.
Ensure compliance with company policies, ISO standards, and regulatory requirements.
Perform additional duties as assigned.