Buyer

Buyer

Waukegan, IL

Overview

Salary Range $66,795.20 - $82,000.00 Salary Job Shift 1st Shift Education Level Bachelors Degree Category Supply Chain

Description

Buyer

Reports To: Purchasing Manager

Department: VPC- Purchasing

Role Summary

The Buyer plays a vital administrative role within the procurement function, primarily responsible for issuing purchase orders (POs) promptly and accurately once planned and firm orders are entered into the system. This position is essential to ensuring the timely flow of materials that support production schedules, meet customer demand, and align with inventory management goals.

Direct Reports

• None

Position Responsibilities-Tasks-Deliverables

An individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

All duties as assigned and the following specific activities.

Procurement Execution

• Process purchase orders promptly based on firm requirements within the ERP/MRP system. Standard expectation: PO issued within 24–48 hours of firm demand entry.
• Ensure all purchase order details are accurate, including quantities, minimum order quantities (MOQs), delivery dates, pricing, and supplier information.
• Verify vendor confirmations for accuracy, including quantities, item numbers, item descriptions, delivery dates, and pricing.
• Coordinate and process changes to existing purchase orders, such as quantity adjustments and delivery date modifications.
• Work with suppliers to resolve pricing, quality, and delivery issues in a timely manner.
• Lead weekly supplier meetings to review open orders and discuss current or ongoing issues.
• Support internal collaboration by ensuring firm or released orders for long lead-time materials aligned with production schedules.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date purchase order records to ensure data integrity and audit traceability.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of all procurement activities.
• Monitor and report on supplier performance using defined KPIs.
• Proactively identify risks related to material availability, supplier performance, or demand changes and escalate as needed.

Team Collaboration

• Work effectively as part of the procurement team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including planning, production, and quality.
• Escalate complex or high-risk issues to the Purchasing Supervisor or Manager when necessary.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Purchase Order Turnaround Time Measure the time from firm demand entry in ERP/MRP to PO issuance. Target: PO issued within 24–48 hours.
• Purchase Order Confirmation Timeliness Measure supplier confirmation turnaround from PO issue date. Target: PO confirmed within 7 calendar days.
• MD04 Dashboard Review Review daily to identify and act on at-risk materials. Target: 100% daily review and documented action when required.
• Excess Inventory Management Regularly review excess and slow-moving inventory and push out or cancel POs when appropriate.

MISCELLANEOUS

Travel: N/A

Vehicle (own): Able to commute to work locations

Tools (own): N/A

Technology (own): N/A

About Visual Pak

Established in 1982, The Visual Pak Companies is the premier destination for cutting-edge contract packaging and manufacturing solutions. As a privately held conglomerate, we specialize in delivering optimal Manufacturing, Design, Packaging, and Logistics Services for Consumer Goods, setting us apart as a leader in the industry.

At our core, we prioritize investing in our talented workforce, leveraging their expertise to drive our proven success and uphold our commitment to strategic excellence. With our ongoing growth trajectory and the need to meet emerging demands, we invite forward-thinking individuals to join our dynamic team and shape the future of manufacturing with us.

Why Join Visual Pak?

At Visual Pak, we are committed to supporting our employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package of traditional and lifestyle benefits. These programs are selected and designed to make a difference for the well-being of our employees and their families.

• Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings – with Company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Dependent Care Accounts (DCA) –Save pre-tax dollars on eligible medical expenses.
• Dependent Care Subsidy –Extra financial support for your family's dependent care needs.
• Childcare & Elder Care Resources – Find trusted care options near you easily.
• Tuition/Education Assistance – Invest in your growth with financial support for education and professional development.
• Active & Fit Direct – Affordable access to thousands of gyms and fitness centers.
• Geode Health – Mental health support tailored to your needs.
• Commuter Benefits – Save on transit and parking expenses.
• Health Advocate Services – Get expert help navigating healthcare and benefits.
• Benefit Hub – Employee Perks and Discount Marketplace – Exclusive savings on shopping, travel, and more!
• Pet Insurance – Coverage to keep your furry family members healthy.
• Paid Time Off & Holidays – Recharge and enjoy your well-earned time away.
• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance -Disability income protection for long and short-term absences from work.

Qualifications

Knowledge-Skills-Abilities:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance or related field
• Or equivalent work experience.
• Certification in Supply Chain Management (e.g., APICS CSCP, ISM CPSM) preferred.

Experience:

• 3-5 years' experience buying in a high-volume manufacturing environment; multi-location preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of logistics workflows, including inventory management and distribution.
• Ability to manage multiple and changing projects and priorities.
• Ability to make decisions within established guidelines.
• Ability to work under pressure regularly.
• Proven negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Proven ability to identify risks and present options to solve supply chain issues
• Exceptional detail ability with accuracy and passion and able to provide meaningful data, analysis and present reasoned outcomes.
• Knowledge of purchase orders.

Technology/Software:

• Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications and various market research tools.
• Intermediate/advanced computer skills (Excel, interlinked databases, ERP).
• Solid understanding of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems and logistics operations, including inventory control, procurement workflows, and supply chain coordination.

Communication:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely to various stakeholders.
• Detailed listener.

Physical Capabilities:

• Strength (lifting, dexterity, repetitive motion): Able to use a computer extensively.
• Movement (standing, stopping, sitting, crouching, crawling): General movement in an office setting with extended time relating to sitting.
• Hearing (loud noise tolerance, quiet work area, public speaking, receiving work direction): Normal sound volumes in an office setting, some exposure to a production floor environment which may be loud.
• Vision (judge distance, read signs, extend computer work, identify details): Able to read information, view a computer screen for extended periods, and recognize hazards.

Visual Pak Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visual Pak does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, gender (orientation or identification), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis covered by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, skills