Purchasing Specialist

Join our Chicago Protective Apparel Team - A division of Mechanix Wear LLC! ABOUT MECHANIX WEAR Who We Are Mechanix Wear develops protective gloves for industries including vehicle mechanics, police, military, trade professionals, and construction to name a few. Mechanix Wear is THE TOOL THAT FITS LIKE A GLOVE® In 1991, The Original® Glove was born. The brainchild of a legendary race mechanic that sparked a revolution for working hands. Championed by mechanics and pit crews at the 1991 Daytona 500, The Original® is the glove that started it all. For more information, visit www.mechanix.com. What We Do At Mechanix Wear, we are building a world where Safety is foundational, Performance is enhanced, and Trust in the brand is unshakable. We create and elevate protection beyond your expectations, through innovative design, advanced materials, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We stand behind our core values including Thinking Big, Being a Problem Solver, Doing Things the Right Way, and TeaMWork. Join us in this exciting role where your expertise will directly impact our operational success! We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth—empowering you to thrive professionally while contributing meaningfully to our organization’s goals. Chicago Protective Apparel (CPA) Established in 1913 , CPA is one of the oldest companies specializing in industrial safety gear in the United States . From its inception, the company has focused on designing and manufacturing high-performance protective garments for workers in extreme industrial environments, including welding, electrical work, and foundries. Over the decades, CPA built a reputation for reliability and durability, emphasizing safety and functionality in every product. Join our Skokie, Illinois Team! Position Summary The Purchasing Specialist supports the Director of Purchasing and the procurement team by compiling and maintaining records for the Purchasing Department's business transactions and office activities. This role sources fabrics, trims, and materials for apparel production, manages purchase orders, and follows through with vendors on shipments and deliveries — helping ensure materials arrive on time and the department runs efficiently. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Include but are not limited to: Purchasing Prepare, issue, expedite, and track purchase orders for fabrics, trims, packaging, and other production materials, making changes as required by the vendor Open drop ship purchase orders and send with packing list to suppliers Support cost comparisons and assist in negotiating pricing with vendors Shipping & Logistics Collect ship dates on all open purchase orders and track shipments in-transit Schedule ship dates with suppliers to reduce freight charges Contact freight brokers to request quotes and select the most cost-effective option offering the best lead time Data Management Update supplier materials costs in the IQuest program Monitor inventory levels and update missing materials and missing components/finished goods for Production Maintain and update supplier databases, price lists, and material specifications Reconcile invoices with purchase orders and packing slips; resolve discrepancies Maintain accurate records of orders, contracts, and supplier communications Complete compliance reports for customers Communication & Collaboration Communicate with domestic and overseas suppliers/vendors regarding pricing, lead times, and order status Coordinate with design and production teams to confirm material requirements and specifications Provide exceptional customer service to assigned customers and vendors Inspect damaged fabrics and communicate quality issues to the Director of Purchasing so a Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) can be completed Collaborate and assist other departments when necessary Qualifications Required: High school diploma or equi…

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