Supply Chain/Purchasing Associate

Position Overview

Simon & Schuster is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Purchasing/Supply Chain Associate to join our procurement team in the book publishing industry. The Associate will play a key role in sourcing, negotiating, and managing the purchase of paper for print book production. This position involves maintaining relationships with paper suppliers, ensuring cost-effective purchasing, and monitoring inventory levels to meet production needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Enter paper requirements ensuring all details are correct and align with available inventory.
• Assist with the purchasing process for all paper used in book production.
• Maintain and update inventory levels, ensuring adequate stock for production.
• Coordinate with the production team to avoid stockouts or excess inventory, balancing cost and availability.
• Work closely with accounting to resolve kickouts and troubleshoot paper related disparities.
• Work cross-functionally with production, printers, and logistics teams to align paper procurement with overall production timelines and goals.
• Ensure that the paper purchased meets the required specifications for quality, texture, weight, and other factors crucial for print quality.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with paper suppliers, ensuring consistent quality and timely deliveries.
• Analyze paper purchasing data, including trends in pricing, delivery performance, and supplier performance.
• Prepare reports and offer insights to management to improve decision-making.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in paper purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management, ideally within the book publishing or printing industries.
• Strong negotiation skills and vendor management experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); familiarity with procurement software is a plus.
• Ability to analyze purchasing data, identify trends, and make recommendations for cost-saving measures.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Knowledge of the paper market and trends in the printing industry is highly desirable.

Benefits & Perks

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Life insurance coverage
• Disability benefits
• Tuition assistance program
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Broad Based Ownership program