Buyer

Learning Resources; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 78,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit-sharing bonus potential

401(k) matching

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Learning Resources in Vernon Hills, IL, is seeking a Buyer to manage procurement and inventory optimization. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise in MRP systems and supplier management to ensure quality products while minimizing costs.

You will analyze purchasing data, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and recommend process improvements. A Bachelor’s degree is required along with 3+ years of relevant experience. Joining us means being part of a family-owned business committed to educational excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in supply chain or inventory management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement for assigned vendors to ensure product availability.
• Use MRP to manage and optimize inventory.
• Collaborate with suppliers to secure competitive pricing.

Skills

MRP expertise

Supplier management

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or related field

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About Our Family Of Companies

We’re on a mission to bring learning to life! Across our family of companies— Learning Resources® , Educational Insights , and hand2mind —we create children’s toys, pet toys, educational products, and supplemental curriculum trusted by teachers and loved by families. As a growing, family‑owned business and a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace, we are dedicated to helping kids succeed in school and develop a lifelong love of learning. If you’re curious, collaborative, and a kid at heart, you’ll feel right at home here.

Team & Position Description

We are currently seeking a Buyer to execute procurement best practices in a fast‑paced environment. This role is responsible for the strategic planning and procurement of high‑quality, cost‑effective products from both domestic and international suppliers. The buyer will focus on securing optimal pricing, minimizing capital investment, and delivering a high level of customer service. This position requires strong MRP expertise to effectively manage and optimize inventory levels, ensuring alignment with targets for inventory turns, order fill rates, and schedule attainment.

What You’ll Do Day To Day

• Manage procurement for assigned vendors to ensure product availability and alignment with business objectives
• Use MRP (Microsoft Dynamics 365) to manage and optimize inventory by maintaining accurate item data and planning parameters, driving performance against inventory and service level targets
• Collaborate with domestic and international suppliers to secure competitive pricing, reduce lead times, and maintain quality standards
• Monitor supplier performance, communicate issues, and drive corrective actions to improve quality, delivery, and cost
• Partner cross‑functionally to resolve purchasing issues and support forecasting, production planning, and customer satisfaction
• Identify and implement cost savings and value‑engineering initiatives to improve margins and reduce spend
• Analyze purchasing and inventory data to support decision‑making and improve operational efficiencyManage purchase orders to ensure timely placement, tracking, and issue resolution
• Recommend process improvements and innovative solutions to enhance supplier performance and achieve business objectives
• Perform additional duties as assigned

What We’re Looking For (Key Performance Objectives)

• Leverage supplier management expertise to own vendor relationships, leading quarterly business reviews to ensure performance and alignment for assigned products
• Proactively communicate supply‑chain risks within a 48‑hour window and drive resolution through ongoing tracking and follow‑up
• Analyze data and provide actionable recommendations related to key supply‑chain KPIs (delivery, quality, cost, and performance) to identify and mitigate business risks
• Serve as a key cross‑functional liaison among Quality, Product Development, Warehouse, OEM partners, Sales/Marketing, and Engineering, escalating critical issues through structured business reviews
• Act as a change agent by effectively navigating and resolving constructive conflict to drive continuous improvement

Requirements / Ideal Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field required
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in supply chain, inventory management, or a related discipline
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) required
• Previous experience with MRP systems required, preferably Microsoft Dynamics 365
• Experience leveraging AI tools to improve efficiency, reporting, and decision‑making is preferred
• Proven ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and execute strategic initiatives
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross‑functional teams and leadership
• Flexibility to work occasional off‑hours, including evenings, to support communication with international suppliers
• Ability to communicate in Mandarin Chinese is a plus

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation Range: $78,000 – $90,000 annual salary – Actual compensation may vary due to other factors such as experience, skill set, or location. Total compensation includes profit‑sharing bonus potential, 401(k) matching, and a variety of other benefits.

EEO Statement

We are a drug‑free workplace and an equal‑employment‑opportunity employer.