Import Purchasing Manager

Import Manager

We're RJ Schinner, a family-owned business that's been thriving for over 70 years. Our journey started back in 1951. Today, we're proud to have 20 distribution centers across the U.S. and a team of 600+ amazing people, all working together to keep distributors in 48 states stocked with the essentials from paper goods and foodservice packaging to cleaning supplies.

Headquartered in Menomonee Falls, WI, we're proud to be recognized as one of Deloitte's Wisconsin 75 most successful private companies and recognized by BizTimes' Future 50 Program as one of the fastest-growing privately-owned companies in southeastern Wisconsin.

But what really matters? The people behind it all. When you join RJ Schinner, you're not just taking a job you're becoming part of a team that values hard work, celebrates success, and believes in growing together.

Schedule: full-time | Monday - Friday | In-office only

Job Summary

The Import Manager is responsible for leading RJ Schinner's import purchasing and inventory planning functions to ensure the effective procurement, forecasting, allocation, and distribution of imported products across the company's network. This position oversees Import Buyers, manages inventory planning activities, develops demands forecasts, coordinates transfer planning for Mixing Centers and hub branches, and serves as a key liaison between Purchasing, Sales, Category Management, Operations, and vendors.

The Import Manager ensures optimal inventory levels, supports labor planning through transfer forecasting, manages excess and slow-moving inventory initiatives, and drives continuous improvement in import purchasing processes while maintaining high service levels and inventory productivity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise, coach, and develop Import Buyers
• Establish performance expectations and provide ongoing training and support
• Monitor buyer workload and purchasing activities to ensure timely replenishment and inventory availability
• Assist buyers with purchasing responsibilities during peak workload periods, staffing shortages, or special projects

Inventory Planning & Forecasting

• Lead inventory planning efforts for all import product categories
• Develop and maintain inventory strategies that support service level objectives while minimizing excess inventory
• Create vendor forecasts using sales trends, historical demand, market intelligence, promotional programs, and input from Sales, Category Management, Operations, and other cross-functional teams
• Review forecast accuracy and adjust purchasing plans as business conditions change
• Identify inventory risks and develop mitigation strategies for potential shortages or excess inventory situations

Mixing Center Inventory Management

• Review and approve Mixing Center sales orders to ensure inventory availability, proper allocation, and supply chain efficiency
• Create and maintain transfer forecasts for Mixing Centers and hub branches
• Partner with Operations and Distribution leadership to provide transfer forecasts that support labor planning and warehouse resource allocation
• Monitor inventory flow between Mixing Centers and branch locations to maximize service levels and inventory turnover

Excess & Slow-Moving Inventory Management

• Maintain and regularly update a comprehensive list of trouble items, obsolete inventory, and excess inventory
• Partner with Sales and Category Management to develop action plans for reducing excess inventory exposure
• Maintain visibility of excess import inventory and communicate opportunities for sales force or category management initiatives
• Monitor inventory turns and recommend actions to improve inventory productivity

Vendor Management

• Maintain strong working relationships with import vendors and suppliers
• Communicate forecasts and demand plans with vendors to support production scheduling and supply continuity
• Monitor vendor performance including service levels, fill rates, lead times, and forecast accuracy
• Collaborate with suppliers to address supply disruptions and inventory productivity

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales, Operations, Category Management, Purchasing, and Finance teams to align inventory and forecasting strategies
• Provide inventory and forecasting insights to support business planning decisions
• Assist with new product introductions, inventory transitions, and vendor consolidation initiatives

Reporting & Analysis

• Develop and maintain inventory planning, forecasting, and performance metrics
• Analyze inventory trends, service levels, excess inventory, and purchasing performance
• Prepare regular reports and recommendations for leadership regarding inventory health and purchasing opportunities
• Identify process improvements that increase operational efficiency and inventory performance
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, business Administration, Logistics, Operations Management, or related field preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered
• 5+ years of purchasing, inventory planning, supply chain, or procurement experience
• 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred
• Experience working with imported products, forecasting, and inventory management in a distribution environment preferred
• Experience managing vendor relationships and purchasing activities

Location: On-site | N89W14700 Patrita Drive | Menomonee Falls WI | 53051

R.J. Schinner Co., Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We hire and promote for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, or veteran status. All terms and conditions of employment are administered on the basis of equality.