Strategic Supply Planner & Buyer

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, 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.