Strategic Purchasing Specialist

Job Description:

ITW Evercoat is the global leader in the manufacture of professional auto body repair fillers and putties, adhesives, professional car care, recreational marine patch and repair products. Evercoat is a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc within the ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids segment.  We are known for our unique 80/20 business model and core values of Integrity, Respect, Trust, Shared Risk and Simplicity. Illinois Tool Works (ITW) is a Fortune 200 Company headquartered in Glenview, IL.

SUMMARY

The Strategic Purchasing Specialist position will be responsible for learning, managing, and driving results in purchasing.  This position requires an enterprise-minded leader capable of exercising a robust ITW-Toolbox supply chain strategy, and leading continuous improvement activities that will span internal operations as well as with key suppliers.

Responsible for procuring raw materials/purchased complete product and managing supplier relationships to ensure timely and cost-effective fulfillment of the annual sales plan, while maintaining accurate inventory and Market Rate of Demand (MRD) reporting.  Managing demand planning by creating and adjusting forecasts based on customer and market input, coordinating closely with sales, marketing, and supply chain to support MRD and promotional events.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Lead and execute the raw material and purchased complete purchasing function to support the annual sales plan.  Manage all purchasing functions which may include, but not limited to, material procurement, inventory control, outsourcing, vendor selection, vendor auditing, and distribution.

· Effectively control component inventories to assure availability, timeliness and quality so that production schedules can be completed on a timely basis.  Work daily with mixing and production supervisors to ensure adequate materials for schedule execution. 

· Oversee adequate inventory of materials and products in accordance with inventory months on hand (MOH) targets and organizational philosophy while avoiding holding excess and obsolete inventory.

· Analyze changes or new issues in materials and supply to reduce cost and improve quality.

· Confirm supplier delivery dates for purchasing material and expedite orders when necessary.

· Work closely with the Regulatory Department to support data collection needs.

· Monitor and analyze materials information such as departmental expenses, scrap, PPV, etc.  Strong involvement with product costing issues and annual cost roll in the JD Edwards (JDE) system.

· Negotiate with new or existing suppliers to establish competitive contracts and agreements.  Responsible for positive vendor relations. 

· Divisional owner of annual sourcing savings projects.  Partner with Corporate Sourcing to ensure division meets annual savings commitments.

· Perform special projects and other duties as requested.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Work Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in supply chain or similar field required.

· Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant purchasing experience is required.

Desired Education/Experience

· Experience with vendor/inventory management and inventory planning/purchasing.

· Previous ERP experience strongly preferred.

Certificates and Licenses

· None needed.

COMPETENCIES

· Change agent that demonstrates original thinking, facilitation skills, and the ability to develop innovative approaches for improving workflow and processes within the ITW Business Model.

· Understands a variety of operational excellence competencies including but not limited to: ITW Toolbox, including experience working in an MRD environment.

· Knowledgeable of safety and quality processes.

· Exceptional written and verbal communication/presentation skills with a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Microsoft Excel.

· Ability to maintain positive vendor relations. 

· Ability to maintain a level of confidentiality required.

· JDE experience preferred.       

· Up to 10% - 20% travel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

Working in an office environment – no significant demands.

Working Conditions

Working in an office environment – daily review of materials in manufacturing and distribution environments.

Hours of Work

This is an onsite role with core hours of 8:00 – 4:30.

Compensation Information:

$70-000 - $90,000

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.