Purchasing Specialist

Budnick Converting, Inc., headquartered in Columbia, IL (in the St. Louis, MO metropolitan area), is a privately held and female owned corporation . Budnick’s primary focus is specialty converting of adhesive coated tapes and foams. Budnick remains on the leading edge of adhesive tape converting technology; currently utilizing over 70 die-cutting, slitting, laminating, printing (including flexographic printing), label making and spooling machines to convert materials into labor saving customized parts. For more information on Budnick, please visit our website at . POSITION PURPOSE: The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for assisting the Buyer in ordering production and maintenance materials and products. This role involves building strong relationships with vendors, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality products, prioritizing purchasing expedites, and keeping internal customers informed about the purchasing status. The role also includes providing coverage for other Purchasing Department & Inventory Control employees when needed. QUANTITATIVE DATA: Must be able to remain in stationary sitting position for 75% of the time. Must be able to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc., Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer. This position requires frequent communication with vendors and other employees; must be able to exchange accurate and detailed information in these situations. Limited travel to vendor training, audits and/or meetings is expected. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Purchasing Management: Purchase, manage, and effectively communicate the procurement of materials and supplies based on the PO Suggestions Dashboard and purchasing requests. Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors, with a focus on the top 20 vendors. Participate in vendor meetings, training, and sales presentations as needed. Collaborate with vendors on date changes, price increases, expedites, and quality issues. Ensure proactive communication through email and phone calls. Expediting Orders: Expedite rush orders based on customer volume, vendor strategy, and sales business case. Involve the Purchasing & Inventory Manager or Application Engineer as necessary. Follow up on promised delivery dates and vendor overdue reports. Regulatory Documentation: Enter regulatory documentation into the ERP system accurately and efficiently. Regularly update and manage supplier price lists to ensure accurate pricing information. Collaboration with Teams: Work with account managers, sales, estimators, quality, accounts payable, production, and shipping to ensure smooth handling of customer orders. Communicate with the sales team regarding vendor interactions, next steps, and priority material needs. Attend quarterly sales team meetings. Log and document all vendor and customer contact information in the ERP system. Coordinate with the AP Clerk to maintain accurate contact records. Export Documentation: Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Request, file, and organize Safety Data Sheets for hazardous items used in production or shipped to customers. Assist in identifying products that may be too hazardous for the company to handle. Material Receipt: Receive materials into the ERP system when necessary. Safety Awareness: Perform duties safely and always maintain a high level of safety awareness. Back-Up for Purchasing Department: Serve as a back-up for other Purchasing Department & Inventory Clerk employees by handling their duties when they are absent. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist in the development of long-term purchasing strategies & help implement the plan(s) developed. Communicate purchasing efficiencies and accomplishments to the Purchasing and Inventory Manager. Assist in the training of new and current employees as necessary. Follow operation standards and all department policies and company directives and assist with other projects and tasks as required by management. Skills: Strong communication, organizational and problem-solving skills a must. Should have a working competency with all office equipment. Good mathematical aptitude. EPR experience a plus. Ability: Conduct business in a professional, positive and courteous manner. Ability to listen effectively, respond clearly, write legible and read a variety of written orders/instructions. Work cooperatively with a variety of individuals. Use resourcefulness and problem-solving skills to meet customer needs. Education: High School diploma or equivalent. Course work related to general business, purchasing or industry specific topics desired. Experience: 1-3+ years of purchasing experience preferred. Hours: 8:00am – 4:30pm FLSA Class: Non-Exempt Reports To: Purchasing & Inventory Manager Salary: $20 - $25/hr. starting wage depending on experience. Paid by-weekly. BENEFITS: vacation holidays $25,000 in life insurance short-term disability benefits long-term disability benefits medical (premium cost shared with the company – we pay 99% of premiums for employee basic plan) dental & vision insurance Insurance benefits start on the 1 st of the month after 60 days of employment. 401K retirement plan with a company match of 25% of the 1 st 6% the employee contributes (match starts bi-annually after 1 year of employment). Reimbursement of travel expenses that includes meals, flights, rental cars, gas and hotels. Profit sharing starts after an employee has been with the company for 3 full years. Our work environment includes: Modern Office Setting Casual work attire Relaxed atmosphere On-the-job training On-site work out equipment Safe work environment Equal Opportunity Employer THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY PEOPLE ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL JOB DUTIES PERFORMED BY THE PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED. Location: 340 Parkway Drive Columbia, IL 62236 Hours: M-F 8am - 4:30pm CST #J-18808-Ljbffr