Apparel Procurement & Logistics Specialist

Socket.dev; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Protective Apparel, a Division of Mechanix Wear LLC, is seeking a Purchasing Specialist to support the Director of Purchasing and procurement team. The role sources fabrics, trims, and materials for apparel production, manages purchase orders, and coordinates with vendors to ensure on-time deliveries.

The ideal candidate has 2–4 years in purchasing, strong Excel and ERP skills (IQuest a plus), and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred in business, supply chain, fashion merchandising, or related field.
• 2–4 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain support experience, preferably in apparel, textiles, or manufacturing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and purchasing/ERP software (experience with IQuest a plus).
• Strong collaborative and organizational skills with attention to detail; excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing deadlines.
• Meet the physical requirements of the position, standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, issue, expedite, and track purchase orders for fabrics, trims, packaging, and other production materials, making changes as required by the vendor.
• Open drop ship purchase orders and send with packing list to suppliers.
• Support cost comparisons and assist in negotiating pricing with vendors.
• Collect ship dates on all open purchase orders and track shipments in-transit.
• Schedule ship dates with suppliers to reduce freight charges.
• Contact freight brokers to request quotes and select the most cost-effective option offering the best lead time.
• Update supplier materials costs in the IQuest program.
• Monitor inventory levels and update missing materials and missing components/finished goods for Production.
• Maintain and update supplier databases, price lists, and material specifications.
• Reconcile invoices with purchase orders and packing slips; resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate records of orders, contracts, and supplier communications.
• Complete compliance reports for customers.
• Communicate with domestic and overseas suppliers/vendors regarding pricing, lead times, and order status.
• Coordinate with design and production teams to confirm material requirements and specifications.
• Provide exceptional customer service to assigned customers and vendors.
• Inspect damaged fabrics and communicate quality issues to the Director of Purchasing so a Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) can be completed.
• Collaborate and assist other departments when necessary.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Vendor/supplier communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred (Business, Supply Chain, Fashion Merchandising, or related field)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP software (IQuest)

Job description

Chicago Protective Apparel, a Division of Mechanix Wear LLC, is seeking a Purchasing Specialist to support the Director of Purchasing and procurement team. The role sources fabrics, trims, and materials for apparel production, manages purchase orders, and coordinates with vendors to ensure on-time deliveries.

The ideal candidate has 2–4 years in purchasing, strong Excel and ERP skills (IQuest a plus), and excellent communication.