Associate Buyer, Packaging Supply Chain

Job Posting: Associate Buyer, Packaging Supply Chain

Location: Oak Brook, IL

Schedule: M-F office hours, option for 1-2 days remote per week after the first 90 days

Status: Salaried, Exempt

About the Role: 

Are you early in your supply chain career and looking to build hands-on experience in procurement and operations? Join our Packaging Supply Chain team as an Associate Buyer, where you’ll develop core purchasing, supplier management, and inventory planning skills.

In this entry-level role, you’ll support sourcing and procurement of packaging materials, collaborate cross-functionally, and help ensure continuity of supply in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This is a great opportunity to establish a strong foundation and grow into managing supplier relationships and material categories.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Order Management

• Process requisitions and create purchase orders for packaging materials
• Review specifications, obtain quotes, and document competitive bids
• Track order confirmations, pricing, and delivery timelines
• Monitor backorders and proactively expedite critical materials

Supplier Coordination

• Communicate with suppliers to confirm order status and ensure delivery commitments
• Support negotiation of pricing and lead times
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships
• Monitor vendor performance and escalate issues as needed

Inventory & Planning Support

• Analyze MRP outputs to place timely and accurate orders
• Help maintain appropriate inventory levels based on demand signals
• Track inbound shipments and communicate updates to stakeholders

Data & Documentation Management

• Maintain accurate vendor, pricing, and item data within ERP systems (e.g., SAP)
• Ensure purchasing documentation is complete and compliant
• Support documentation updates and internal recordkeeping standards

Issue Resolution & Compliance

• Resolve vendor invoice discrepancies in partnership with Accounts Payable
• Partner with Quality to address supplier quality issues and returns
• Support adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and SOPs

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Production, Operations, Quality, and Receiving teams
• Communicate material availability, risks, and delivery timelines
• Support continuity of supply across packaging categories

Continuous Improvement

• Contribute ideas to improve purchasing processes, data accuracy, and supplier reliability
• Build knowledge of packaging supply chain processes and apply learnings to daily work

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field preferred
• 0–2 years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, or operations
• Internship experience in supply chain, particularly in procurement or purchasing, is a strong plus
• Exposure to manufacturing or regulated environments is a plus

Skills & Strengths

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (filters, pivot tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP)
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret basic supply and demand signals
• Effective written communication and stakeholder collaboration skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Comfortable working independently with a proactive, self-directed approach
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems is a plus
• APICS/CSCP certification is a plus

Why Join Us?

Diverse Experiences 

Blistex is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Blistex is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age or any other legally protected status.

Career Growth

We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become the best in our industry. You will find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship, career opportunities and development opportunities to help you become a better professional and/or leader.

Compensation 

The base pay for this position ranges from $55,000 to $67,000. Pay is based on a number of factors including job related knowledge, skills and experience. The job role is eligible for a discretionary bonus that may be provided as part of a total compensation package.

Benefits 

As part of the total compensation package a full range of benefits are offered including medical coverage, insurance, and financial benefits. For more information, please visit https://blistexinc.com/employee-benefits/.