BUYER

Chicago (Mundelein), IL | $58,000–$62,000/year | Full-time, Exempt

This is an in-office position based at our Mundelein facility — it is not eligible for remote or hybrid work.

About Smyth Companies

We believe inspiring printed package decorations enhance your brands and profits.

We deliver exceptional products and services to our customers by creating an environment where employees contribute their unique ideas and talents to continually improve our business.

About the Role

The Buyer is responsible for ordering and ensuring the timely delivery of raw materials and other outside purchases to keep jobs on schedule and meet required service levels. This role works closely with Production Management and Scheduling and plays a visible part in our Lean Manufacturing and quality efforts — as well as our broader push toward innovation and improving how we use current systems and technology.

Key Responsibilities

Purchase Order Execution:

Drive accurate, timely purchase orders and materials planning to ensure on-time delivery to jobs, proactively communicating with Production Management and Scheduling on material availability and schedule changes.

Claims Management:

Own the end-to-end supplier claims process, driving timely resolution and maximizing dollar recovery, while working with suppliers on corrective actions that prevent recurring issues.

Inventory Accuracy & Effectiveness:

Manage inventory levels and accuracy – including min/max levels – against business objectives, with a strong emphasis on reducing aged inventory and overall days of RM inventory on hand. Assist with inventory counts and reconciliations as needed to ensure accuracy.

Cost & Project Management:

Lead cost-reduction projects, RFPs, and supplier consolidation initiatives (e.g., in partnership with R&D), applying strong project management skills to deliver measurable savings.

Supplier Service & Performance:

Build supplier relationships and hold them accountable to service level, quality, and reliability standards that support Smyth's production needs.

Negotiation & Terms:

Negotiate pricing concessions and extended payment terms across purchase categories to strengthen Smyth's cost and cash position.

Cross-Functional Support & Continuous Improvement:

Implement systems to minimize production downtime and waste related to raw materials; participate in process improvement efforts for internal and external customers through data collection, standardized procedures, and teamwork

The Ideal Candidate

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the diplomacy and tact to handle and resolve difficult issues
• Able to manage time effectively across multiple long- and short-term projects, meeting deadlines consistently
• Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and relationship-building skills with a diverse group of people and personalities
• Strong math skills, with the ability to build and maintain Excel spreadsheets
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel
• Detail-oriented, a strong team player, and comfortable multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment

Education, Experience, and Credentials

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• One or more years of experience in a purchasing role preferred, ideally in a printing environment
• Previous experience with Lean Manufacturing and ISO quality systems preferred

Benefits

Our full benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, PTO, paid holidays, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and much more.