Buyer / Planner

GPA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

GPA, part of the Fedrigoni Group, is seeking a skilled Buyer/Planner to join our Supply Chain team in Chicago. This hands-on role ensures the right products and materials are available at the right time, balancing inventory and service levels while coordinating with suppliers and internal teams.

You will analyze MRP recommendations, manage purchasing and replenishment, and collaborate across functions to improve planning accuracy and reduce excess inventory.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in buying, purchasing, material planning, inventory management or supply chain.
• Proven experience managing inventory and purchasing across multiple locations or networks.
• Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and replenishment processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven decisions.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Process-oriented mindset with continuous improvement focus.
• Proactive, hands-on approach with issue identification and solution delivery.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills for multiple priorities.
• Strong sense of urgency and accountability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with suppliers and stakeholders.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in an international environment.
• Strong customer and service orientation.
• Ability to adapt priorities to changing business needs.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing activities and purchase orders to ensure timely flow of products and materials.
• Analyze MRP/ERP recommendations and translate planning requirements into purchasing decisions.
• Monitor inventory levels and proactively manage supply to meet service and inventory targets.
• Coordinate inventory transfers across the GPA network to optimize availability and investment.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers for reliable supply and pricing.
• Monitor supplier performance and address delivery and quality issues.
• Collaborate with Production and Operations to ensure availability of materials.
• Track inbound deliveries and mitigate shortages and delays.
• Review and optimize ERP/MRP parameters and master data.
• Identify and reduce Excess & Obsolete inventory cross-functionally.
• Monitor supplier pricing and update ERP systems.
• Support Purchasing and Merchandising on non-catalog substrates.
• Partner with Sales to support opportunities and customer requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and cross-functional projects.
• Provide backup support to the Purchasing team.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Tools

MS Excel

ERP/MRP systems

Inventory management software

Job description

GPA, as part of the Fedrigoni Group, is the market leader in substrate solutions for offset, digital, and wide-format printing, with a comprehensive offering of pressure-sensitive papers, printable films, eco-friendly substrates, digital and specialty papers, and more. Our foundation is built on consistently delivering a wide variety of superior products that help our partners and clients innovate and shape the printing industry. It is our continued focus on developing innovative solutions for our customers and their businesses, combined with the commitment to provide the best products in the marketplace that has positioned us as the industry leader.

At GPA, we believe in the power of people, collaboration and continuous improvement. We are an international Group where curiosity, initiative and the desire to create value are at the heart of how we work.

About the Role

We are looking for a Buyer/Planner to join our Supply Chain team and ensure the availability of the right products and materials at the right time, while maintaining optimal inventory levels. The Buyer Planner is responsible for managing purchasing and replenishment activities, analyzing MRP recommendations, coordinating inventory across the GPA network and partnering closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders. The role combines analytical planning, purchasing expertise and strong relationship management to support customer service, operational efficiency and working capital objectives. This is a hands‑on role for a proactive and analytical professional who enjoys solving problems, working cross‑functionally and continuously improving processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing activities and purchase orders to ensure the timely and efficient flow of products and materials.
• Analyze MRP/ERP recommendations and translate planning requirements into effective purchasing and replenishment decisions.
• Monitor inventory levels and proactively manage supply to achieve service, availability and inventory targets.
• Coordinate inventory transfers across the GPA network to optimize product availability and inventory investment.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers to ensure reliable supply, competitive pricing, quality and service.
• Monitor supplier performance and proactively address delivery, quality and supply issues.
• Partner with Production and Operations teams to ensure the timely availability of purchased materials required for in‑house processing.
• Monitor inbound deliveries and take proactive action to mitigate shortages, delays and supply constraints.
• Continuously review and optimize ERP/MRP parameters and master data to improve planning accuracy, inventory levels and system recommendations.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to identify and reduce Excess & Obsolete inventory.
• Monitor supplier pricing and ensure accurate and timely updates within the ERP system.
• Support the Purchasing and Merchandising teams as needed, including activities related to non‑catalog substrates.
• Partner with Sales and other internal stakeholders to support profitable business opportunities and customer requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, process optimization and cross‑functional projects.
• Provide backup support to other members of the Purchasing team as required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in buying, purchasing, material planning, inventory management or supply chain, preferably within a distribution or manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience managing inventory and purchasing activities across multiple locations or a broader supply network.
• Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and replenishment processes.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to turn data into effective business decisions.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• A process‑oriented mindset and a strong focus on continuous improvement.
• Proactive, hands‑on approach with the ability to identify issues and drive solutions independently.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong sense of urgency and accountability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross‑functional and international environment.
• Strong customer and service orientation.
• Ability to adapt priorities and respond effectively to changing business and operational needs.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal.

Why Join GPA?

As a Buyer Planner, you will have the opportunity to make a direct impact on product availability, inventory optimization and customer service, while working closely with colleagues and partners across the supply chain. If you are analytical, proactive and enjoy turning complex supply challenges into practical solutions, we would love to hear from you.

All post‑offer candidates will be subject to the successful completion of a pre‑employment background check and 4‑ panel drug screen before they can begin employment.

• GPA offers a competitive compensation package, medical, dental, 401(k), paid time off, and much more.

Relocation is not available for this position.

GPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E‑Verify.