Associate Buyer – Packaging Supply Chain

Jobtailor; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Oak Brook, IL is seeking a procurement professional to manage packaging materials purchasing. You will process requisitions, obtain quotes, and manage supplier communications to ensure timely delivery.

The role emphasizes data accuracy, Excel-based analysis, and collaboration across production and QA teams. Prior internship in procurement and SAP experience are a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred.
• 0–2 years of purchasing, supply chain, or operations experience.
• Internship experience in procurement is a strong plus.
• Exposure to manufacturing or regulated environments is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (filters, pivot tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP)
• APICS/CSCP certification is a plus.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Process requisitions and create purchase orders for packaging materials.
• Review specifications, obtain quotes, and document competitive bids.
• Track order confirmations, pricing, and delivery timelines.
• Monitor backorders and expedite critical materials.
• Communicate with suppliers to confirm order status and delivery commitments.

Skills

Excel skills

Analytical mindset

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field

Tools

SAP

Job description

Responsibilities

• Process requisitions and create purchase orders for packaging materials
• Review specifications, obtain quotes, and document competitive bids
• Track order confirmations, pricing, and delivery timelines
• Monitor backorders and proactively expedite critical materials
• Communicate with suppliers to confirm order status and ensure delivery commitments
• Support negotiation of pricing and lead times
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships
• Monitor vendor performance and elevate issues as needed
• Analyze MRP outputs to place timely and accurate orders
• Help maintain appropriate inventory levels based on demand signals
• Track inbound shipments and communicate updates to stakeholders
• Maintain accurate vendor, pricing, and item data within ERP systems (e.g., SAP)
• Ensure purchasing documentation is complete and compliant
• Support documentation updates and internal recordkeeping standards
• Resolve vendor invoice discrepancies in partnership with Accounts Payable
• Partner with Quality to address supplier quality issues and returns
• Support adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and SOPs
• Partner with Production, Operations, Quality, and Receiving teams
• Communicate material availability, risks, and delivery timelines
• Contribute ideas to improve purchasing processes, data accuracy, and supplier reliability
• Build knowledge of packaging supply chain processes and apply learnings to daily work

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field preferred
• 0–2 years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, or operations
• Internship experience in supply chain, particularly in procurement or purchasing, is a strong plus
• Exposure to manufacturing or regulated environments is a plus
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (filters, pivot tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP)
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret basic supply and demand signals
• Effective written communication and stakeholder collaboration skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlinesComfortable working independently with a proactive, self-directed approach
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems is a plus
• APICS/CSCP certification is a plus.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in procurement processes, supplier relationship management, and inventory control while ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). Proficient in utilizing ERP systems like SAP and Microsoft Excel for data analysis and order management.