Purchasing Lead at OUTFORM
Date: 7 hours ago
City: Chicago, IL
Contract type: Full time
At Outform Group, our guiding philosophy is Dare To Innovate.
Outform Group specializes in creating tangible consumer engagements that elevate, connect and humanize brand experiences. We unite leading experts in research, strategy, design, innovation and manufacturing, who work together to create unforgettable brand experiences.
Lean, interdisciplinary teams work in close collaboration with clients, helping them to solve their user’s biggest problems. Our user-centric, data-driven approach focuses on creating a seamless experience across different environments.
Position Summary
We are looking for a Purchasing Lead to support Outform’s sourcing and procurement activities for retail display materials, components, and finished goods. In this role, you will assist with supplier communications, help process purchase orders, and work closely with teams across Product Development, Engineering, Operations, and Sales. You will learn to monitor supplier performance, help negotiate pricing, and ensure timely delivery of materials. This is a hands-on position ideal for someone early in their purchasing or supply chain career who is eager to learn, grow, and contribute to a fast-paced, innovative environment.
If you thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and are passionate about bringing products to life with precision and excellence — we want to meet you.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Leadership
Education & Experience
Outform Group specializes in creating tangible consumer engagements that elevate, connect and humanize brand experiences. We unite leading experts in research, strategy, design, innovation and manufacturing, who work together to create unforgettable brand experiences.
Lean, interdisciplinary teams work in close collaboration with clients, helping them to solve their user’s biggest problems. Our user-centric, data-driven approach focuses on creating a seamless experience across different environments.
Position Summary
We are looking for a Purchasing Lead to support Outform’s sourcing and procurement activities for retail display materials, components, and finished goods. In this role, you will assist with supplier communications, help process purchase orders, and work closely with teams across Product Development, Engineering, Operations, and Sales. You will learn to monitor supplier performance, help negotiate pricing, and ensure timely delivery of materials. This is a hands-on position ideal for someone early in their purchasing or supply chain career who is eager to learn, grow, and contribute to a fast-paced, innovative environment.
If you thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and are passionate about bringing products to life with precision and excellence — we want to meet you.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Leadership
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with business goals and growth initiatives
- Identify, qualify, and manage a network of suppliers, manufacturers, and partners across North America, Asia, and Europe
- Oversee the entire purchasing process, ensuring all purchase orders are accurately received and maintained
- Drive supplier performance improvements in cost, quality, delivery, and innovation
- Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, and service-level expectations with suppliers
- Build and maintain systems to measure purchasing performance, targeting continuous improvement
- Regularly report on departmental performance and deliver actionable improvement plans
- Lead purchasing operations to ensure timely procurement for retail display projects
- Partner with internal stakeholders to forecast material needs and align sourcing plans with production timelines
- Implement purchasing systems, tools, and KPIs to monitor efficiency and cost performance
- Develop risk mitigation strategies to ensure supply continuity and minimize disruptions
- Communicate material delivery dates effectively to project management teams and maintain accurate ERP records
- Establish long-term partnerships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration and innovation
- Conduct regular supplier audits and performance reviews
- Drive ethical and sustainable sourcing practices in alignment with Outform’s ESG initiatives
- Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, quality standards, and corporate policies
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field
- 3+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably within retail displays, POP/POS, manufacturing, or consumer goods industries
- Proven track record of developing sourcing strategies and managing supplier networks
- Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Deep understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and cost structures in retail display production
- Experience with international sourcing, including Asia-based manufacturing
- Excellent communication and leadership abilities with cross-functional collaboration skills
- Proficiency in ERP systems and sourcing analytics tools
- Being a part of a global creative organization shaping the future of retail experiences
- Work with world-class brands and innovative materials
- Collaborative culture that values design, technology, and excellence in execution
- Competitive compensation and benefits package
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