Purchasing Manager in Chicago

Job Description

Judge Direct Placement is seeking a Purchasing Manager in Chicago, IL area!

Responsibilities:

• Manage the procurement of raw materials, packaging, and production supplies to support operational requirements.
• Analyze production forecasts, inventory levels, consumption trends, and lead times to ensure timely material availability.
• Oversee purchase order processes and monitor purchasing activities to ensure accuracy and on-time delivery.
• Partner with Operations, Production, and Inventory teams to align material purchases with production schedules.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and ensure adherence to inventory control procedures.
• Monitor inventory levels to minimize shortages, excess stock, spoilage, and obsolete materials.
• Establish and manage inventory parameters, including safety stock, reorder points, and min/max levels.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships while evaluating performance, pricing, quality, and service levels.
• Negotiate supplier pricing, terms, contracts, and freight arrangements to optimize costs and service.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality, food safety, and operational standards.
• Resolve supply chain issues, including late deliveries, shortages, and material quality concerns.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to ensure supplier compliance, product specifications, and food safety requirements are met.
• Partner with Production, Operations, and Finance to address material shortages, demand changes, and purchasing discrepancies.
• Oversee inventory counts, reconciliations, and variance investigations to ensure inventory accuracy.
• Prepare and analyze purchasing, inventory, supplier performance, and cost savings reports for management.
• Support audits and maintain purchasing documentation, supplier records, and compliance requirements.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurements, inventory control or supply planning
• Purchasing and inventory experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong negotiation, analytical, organizational skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and ERP, MRP, purchasing, or inventory related systems