[Hiring] Materials Planner @CJK Group, Inc.

Role Description

Responsible for the sourcing, purchasing, inventory management, and outsourcing functions supporting Sheridan's production requirements. This position manages paper procurement, supplier relationships, and related scheduling to ensure materials and services are available at the required quality, cost, and delivery performance. The role works closely with internal customers and external suppliers and may be performed locally in Pontiac, Illinois or remotely.

• Manage, negotiate, and purchase paper required to support plant production.
• Source paper in a timely manner to support production schedules and customer expectations.
• Serve as the point person for customer and sales inquiries related to paper availability, specifications, and samples.
• Oversee paper inventories, including database activities; monitor allocations and consumption and reconcile inventory levels regularly.
• Develop and maintain strong business relationships with raw material suppliers and outside service providers.
• Maintain regular communication with internal and external partners involving detailed and complex information.
• Make strategic decisions regarding where and when to outsource after considering schedule, price, added costs, and internal versus external capabilities.
• Work directly with suppliers and internal customers.
• Process purchasing-related correspondence and documentation.
• Monitor order status to ensure production needs are met.
• Negotiate service expectations and terms and help ensure supplier quality.
• Enter and extract information accurately from systems that support outsourcing activities.
• Coordinate schedules with prepress, outside print suppliers, paper availability, scheduling, bindery requirements, and customer delivery dates.
• Follow Sheridan business practices and code of ethics.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the department manager.
• Provide backup support to Purchasing and other Print Operations buyers during absences and periods of increased workload.

Qualifications

• Associate degree (A.A.) or equivalent education/experience is preferred; printing or related industry experience is strongly preferred.
• Excellent verbal, written, telephone, interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate purchasing trends, compare products, and identify quality suppliers and service contractors.
• Ability to work independently, make critical decisions, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, and comfortable working with multiple computer systems.

Requirements

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in high-stress situations.
• Ability to work successfully in a local or remote work environment as business needs require.
• Strong supplier-management skills and sound business judgment.

Benefits

• A safe, values-based company that acts with integrity and respect for all.
• On-the-job training programs through Sheridan Academy.
• Career advancement with an employer who supports your development.
• Tuition reimbursement for approved coursework.
• Competitive compensation.
• Paid time off & holidays.
• An employee referral program that pays you money.
• Medical (PPO and HSA Plans), Dental, Vision.
• First Stop Health – convenient no- or low-cost telemedicine services.
• Confidential and free EAP program for wellness and mental health.
• Company-paid basic life, AD&D, and short-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• A successful and growing industry-leading company.