Junior Buyer

IMS Integrated Merchandising Solutions; Skokie (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

Short and long-term disability

Generous PTO

Hybrid work policy

Training, development, and tuition

Omnicom Employee Resource Groups

Job summary

IMS Integrated Merchandising Solutions in Skokie, IL is seeking a Production Associate to manage the day-to-day execution of branded merchandise and POS projects, ensuring client requirements are met on time and on budget.

You will collaborate with Account Managers and vendors, handle procurement data, track quotes and purchase orders, and help drive cost efficiencies while maintaining strong communication with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of procurement, production, vendor management, or related experience.
• Experience with POS or branded merchandise is a plus.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail and quality.

Responsibilities

• Gather project requirements and manage production aspects with vendors on timelines and status.
• Input specifications into procurement systems and track quotes, purchase orders, and invoices.
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure smooth workflow and quality handoffs.
• Serve as liaison between internal teams, agencies, and suppliers to ensure on-time delivery within budget.
• Provide timely status updates and excellent customer service to clients.
• Escalate production issues to management for resolution.

Skills

Procurement

Vendor management

Project management

POS / branded merch

MS Office

Communication

Tools

Procurement systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

IMS is seeking a Production Associate for our Skokie office. Reporting to the Production Director, you will manage the day-to-day execution of branded merchandise and POS projects, ensuring all client requirements are met efficiently, on-time, and on-budget. You'll work closely with Account Managers and vendors to oversee all aspects of project delivery while maintaining clear communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Gather project requirements and manage all production aspects, collaborating with vendors on delivery timelines and project status
• Input project specifications into procurement systems and maintain accurate tracking of quotes, purchase orders, and invoices
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure smooth workflow and quality handoffs
• Serve as liaison between internal teams, agencies, and suppliers to guarantee quality results and on-time delivery within budget
• Provide timely status updates and excellent customer service to clients
• Escalate production issues immediately to management for resolution
• Collaborate with Strategic Sourcing to identify suppliers and drive cost efficiencies
• Support vendor qualification and performance management activities
• Ensure achievement of SLAs and KPIs aligned with client standards and internal operational goals
• Assist Account Managers with project presentations and account updates as needed
• Contribute to process improvements and operational efficiency initiatives

What You Bring

• 2+ years of procurement, production, vendor management, or related experience
• Experience in POS (Point of Sale) or branded merchandise preferred (but not required)
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail and quality
• Proficiency with procurement/project management systems and Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Problem-solving abilities and customer-focused mindset
• Experience collaborating across cross-functional teams
• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Detail-oriented with strong accuracy in data entry and record-keeping
• Commitment to IMS principles: Passion, Collaboration, Integrity, Inventiveness, and Proactivity

What We Offer

• 401(k) with match
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Generous PTO and hybrid work policy
• Training, development, and tuition reimbursement
• Access to Omnicom Employee Resource Groups

This role has a salary range of $55,000 - $62,000

IMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. $55,000.00 - $62,000.00

Omnicom’s policy requires employees to work in the office for a minimum of three days a week, unless additional in-office days are directed by their agency or manager. Our objective is to increase this requirement over time, and many of our agencies as well as Omnicom’s corporate group already require five days of in-office attendance.

Omnicom is committed to hiring and developing exceptional talent. We agree that talent is uniquely distributed, and we’re focused on developing inclusive teams that can bring the best solutions to everything we do. We strongly believe that celebrating what makes us different makes us better together. We will process your personal data in accordance with our Recruitment Privacy Notice.

Link to Recruitment Privacy Notice: https://www.omc.com/privacy-notice

It is the policy of Omnicom and any of its affiliates to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. EOE/AA/M/D/V/F.