Buyer Jobs in Illinois

Who we are:
Visual Comfort & Co. is the premier resource for decorative and architectural lighting, ceiling fans, system controls and automated shading solutions from the most influential designers in the world. We are proud to offer a market-leading range of premium products across categories, styles and price points, remaining committed to beautiful design and, above all, a world-class customer experience.

This role is responsible for collaborating with vendors, product development, sales teams, and demand planning to ensure product availability and efficient supply chain operations for our most complex product lines. Duties include managing the purchase order lifecycle, reviewing MRP and demand reports to generate and track purchase orders, monitoring supplier production status, coordinating expedites and deferrals, and supporting inventory and procurement strategies with proactive supply planning and on-time delivery execution. In addition, the Senior Buyer will be expected to take on a leadership role within the Purchasing team and lead small cross functional projects.

Visual Comfort Offers:

• Work-Life Balance: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
• Training & Development: A comprehensive and structured training program, complemented by ongoing education and opportunities for career advancement.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation accrual and paid time off policies.
• Holidays: 7 paid holidays per year, in addition to 2 floating holidays.
• Compensation: Competitive compensation plan
• Health Benefits: Visual Comfort covers the majority of employee medical premiums, and offers competitive vision and dental coverage available starting the first of the month following your start date.
• Insurance: Company-provided life insurance and short-term disability coverage.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching up to 4%, available beginning the first of the month following your hire date.

How success is defined:

• Facilitate supply planning activities to ensure appropriate product availability across the VCC network for assigned items.
• Manage purchase orders with domestic and international suppliers by leveraging MRP recommendations to support forecasted demand and inventory objectives.
• Monitor inventory levels, supplier production schedules, and supply performance to achieve In Stock %, Months of Supply, and On-Time Delivery goals.
• Troubleshoot supply constraints, shortages, engineering changes, supplier transitions, and customer service escalations to minimize business disruption.
• Execute supplier expedites, deferrals, and order adjustments in response to changing demand forecasts and business requirements.
• Analyze inventory, supplier, and operational data to identify trends, risks, cost-saving opportunities, and support business decision-making initiatives.
• Review and prepare supplier forecasts, inventory reports, KPI dashboards, and ad hoc analyses to support planning and procurement strategies.
• Manage supplier relationships, including performance monitoring, lead time and MOQ negotiations, cost reduction initiatives, payment issue resolution, and strategic supplier development.
• Collaborate with sales, product management, accounting, customer service, and international teams to understand upcoming business impacts and ensure continuity of supply.
• Effectively lead small cross-functional projects, such as production transitions and new item introductions to accomplish organizational goals.
• Mentor Associate Buyers and Buyers on core purchasing and supply planning functions.
• Exhibits and adheres to the established Visual Comfort Company Values.
• Must demonstrate commitment, dependability, punctuality, and adherence to agreed-upon schedule while maintaining a consistent presence in the workplace to effectively collaborate and communicate amongst co-workers and teams.

What you will bring:

• Minimum of 5 years’ previous experience in supply planning, inventory planning, procurement, sourcing, business analysis, or operations within a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Accounting, Operations Management, or a related quantitative field; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for this role.
• Strong aptitude for and proficiency navigating Systems and Programs.
• Strong knowledge of MRP/DRP systems, inventory planning methodologies, procurement processes, strategic sourcing, and cost analysis principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and business intelligence reporting tools.
• Demonstrated analytical skills with the ability to define problems, research, collect data, evaluate alternatives, and provide actionable business recommendations.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and changing priorities.
• Ability to achieve results both independently and through others by fostering a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication across all contact channels, including email, chat and phone.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in interior design, custom home building products, luxury home furnishings and/or lighting industry a plus.
• Available to work a flexible schedule including weekends, early mornings, late evenings.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for this role.

Compensation Range: $92,000 - $95,000

Compensation for this position is based on applicable, job-related factors, which may include, where relevant to the position, skills, qualifications, relevant experience, education, certifications, and geographic work location, consistent with applicable law.

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Qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or expression, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

To be eligible for this role, you must be authorized to work in the United States. We do not offer any type of employment-based immigration sponsorship for this role. Likewise, Visual Comfort & Co., will not provide any assistance or sign any documentation in support of any other form of immigration sponsorship or benefit including optional practical training (OPT) or curricular practical training (CPT).