Job Title: Specialist, Supply Chain Reports To: Supervisor, Supply Chain Position Location: Vernon Hills, IL FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-Exempt): Non-Exempt Position Summary: Responsible for preparing, analyzing, monitoring, and reacting to inventory related trends/opportunities for the purpose of optimizing inventory investment costs and mix while meeting/exceeding all service level and inventory performance objectives for all drop ship items, discontinued items, non-catalog items and office supply inventory needs. Creates purchase orders for all non-catalog items and processes drop ship orders with all suppliers as needed. Supports all label and special insert needs for suppliers and participates in the supplier pricing process. Key Responsibilities: + Executes drop ship purchase orders with all suppliers when appropriate + Executes Non-catalog item (NCI) purchase orders + Executes and oversees ordering of all office supplies. Monitors office supply budget set by Senior Management + Executes all PO requests from internal departments + Works with suppliers on all issues pertaining to orders, delivery, availability, pricing, etc + Reconciles supplier receiving issues as needed + Reconciles supplier invoice discrepancies as needed + Reconciles damage claims with freight companies + Works with other departments in continuous improvement projects, and in all aspects of improved customer responsiveness (internal and external) + Manages the supplier pricing process from start to finish including purchase price variances (PPV), by working with all necessary GPM, Supply Chain, and other Operations associates when necessary + Works on special department related projects as assigned by department Manager + Contributes ideas and suggestions for improvements of existing inter- or intra-departmental systems + Performs other duties as assigned Education: + High School Diploma or equivalent experience Experience: + 1-3 years of supply chain, purchasing, and/or inventory control experience, preferably in a distribution environment Minimum Requirements/Qualifications: + Proficient in Excel and other Microsoft office applications. + Must have strong analytical skills and be willing to problem solve with a collaborative approach. + Must be self-motivated to be able to work independently and posses a customer focused mentality. + Must be able to execute multiple projects concurrently to successful completion, meet deadlines, and follow-up in a timely manner through excellent organizational, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills. + Must possess the ability to analyze numeric data and accurately perform mathematical computations. + Thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, efficiently works under pressure, within deadlines or other time essential constraints + Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to clearly and concisely communicate to all levels of the organization + Strong work ethic and an ability to excel within a rapidly changing and growing organization This position has not been approved for Relocation Assistance. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all of the duties and responsibilities associated with it. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.