Strategic Purchasing & Inventory Specialist

Great Dane; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 53,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical and dental benefits

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Great Dane is hiring a Corporate Purchasing Agent to procure materials for all production locations, review requisitions, and execute blanket and discrete purchase orders to fulfil the demand plan. You’ll work with Material Planners to optimize inventory turnover while ensuring post-order accuracy and resolving invoice discrepancies.

You’ll maintain vendor relationships, coordinate with category managers on supplier scorecards, and ensure timely deliveries, accurate orders, and compliance with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in a related discipline.
• 1-3 years of relevant work experience or equivalent.
• CPP or CPPM certification preferred but not required.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong customer service orientation and professional demeanor.
• Travel to manufacturing facilities up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Regularly report material status and highlight risks or shortages.
• Develop plant level strategies to optimize turnover and reduce excess inventory.
• Analyze purchasing trends and establish safety stock and minimum orders.
• Monitor open work orders and ensure timely disposition.
• Assist accounts payable with invoice reconciliation.
• Coordinate with logistics to schedule deliveries before line start.
• Perform audits to verify locations and quantities.
• Advise on redistribution, substitution, or disposal of excess inventory.
• Process deviations and substitutions with approvals.
• Assist in processing defective material, returns, and adjustments.
• Collaborate with production and other departments on material issues.
• Ensure material is received on time and in correct quantity.
• Own inventory accuracy; schedule cycle counts and report discrepancies.
• Attend weekly safety meetings and communicate topics to team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Organizational skills

Customer service orientation

Verbal and written communication

Problem solving

Purchasing concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree

CPP or CPPM certification preferred

Job description

Great Dane is hiring a Corporate Purchasing Agent to procure materials for all production locations, review requisitions, and execute blanket and discrete purchase orders to fulfil the demand plan. You’ll work with Material Planners to optimize inventory turnover while ensuring post-order accuracy and resolving invoice discrepancies.

You’ll maintain vendor relationships, coordinate with category managers on supplier scorecards, and ensure timely deliveries, accurate orders, and compliance with