At Varsity Brands, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and every educator wants to make a difference. It takes a team to make a real impact, and through our three distinct brands – BSN SPORTS, Varsity Spirit and Herff Jones – and our network of 9,000+ employees and independent representatives, we are proud to partner with schools, colleges and universities across the country to transform the student journey in SPORT, SPIRIT and ACHIEVEMENT.
Are you looking to play an important role on a winning team? Are you looking for more than “just a job,” but a place where you can truly thrive and have your daily contributions make a real difference in someone’s life? At Varsity Brands we’re a growing company where you can lend your skills and talents in support of a greater mission. In return, you get to work with great people on challenging assignments that will accelerate your professional growth.
HERFF JONES, Purchasing Manager – Champaign & Arcola, IL
YOUR OPPORTUNITY:
The Herff Jones Cap & Gown division is looking for a Purchasing Manager to join our operations team. This position would oversee the purchasing function in both our Champaign & Arcola IL plants and travel between the two locations would be required.
Here’s How You’ll Make an Impact:
Reporting to the Plant Manager, you will be responsible for managing workflow from initiation to completion for both purchased orders and deliveries. This person will accurately track and report key functional metrics and anticipate unfavorable events through data analysis to prepare control strategies. The Purchasing Manager will collaborate with key persons to ensure clear communication of the specifications of the company. This person will also foresee trends and predict alterations in the negotiating ability of suppliers and clients. This includes preparing risk management for supply contracts and agreements. A strong focus on detail orientation, a strong sense of urgency, and a balance of priorities will be key to operating successfully in the role.
At Herff Jones we may have been around for 100 years, but we still have the mentality of a scrappy startup. For you, that means your job may grow and change over time. But don’t worry, we would never ask an employee to take on an assignment they didn’t already have the right skill sets they needed to succeed. As we see it for right now, however, here are the challenges that we want you to tackle:
Set, track, and maintain budget
Oversee supply needs; approve the ordering of necessary goods and services
Thoroughly examine and test existing contracts
Determine optimal stock/inventory levels and requirements
Develop and maintain MRP process
Collaborate with Warehouse Manager to align inventory levels
Perform all duties as assigned
What You’ll Bring to the Table:
3+ years related experience in addition to meeting the following requirements:
Bachelors degree in related field preferred.
Proven success to effectively communicate (listening, writing and verbal) across all levels of an organization.
Previous success in a leading lean operations role including training and coaching front line associates.
Intermediate to Advanced skills with Microsoft Office and learning new systems/technology with understanding some work is processed manually
Demonstrated success in the ability to lead a mid-size manufacturing facility operation with seasonal production flow.
Proven ability to manage budgets, conduct detailed staffing analysis, and implement new programs in a manufacturing environment.
Multiple examples of lean projects and initiates successfully executed with measurable cost and time savings.
Outstanding decision-making skills and ability to work well with numbers.
Significant experience in collecting and analyzing data.
Excellent leadership capabilities and communication skills.
Well organized and detail oriented.
A strong sense of urgency and desire to exceed customer expectations.
Ability to maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment.
THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN CELEBRATING STUDENT MILESTONES – HERFF JONES
Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. Herff Jones’ products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, yearbooks, diplomas, frames, announcements and Greek accessories as well as motivation and recognition programs. Since 1920, our team has worked alongside students, faculty and staff on campuses nationwide to help build a stronger community and celebrate student milestones. Our continued success relies on hiring extraordinary talent, with a passion for making a difference and eagerness to roll up the sleeves, to help us write the story of our next 100 years.
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