Import Purchasing Specialist

• Location ROMEOVILLE, IL, 60446,United States

"The number one key to growth is having good people and that’s what has driven us at every stage of the game." - Greg Cohen, CEO

At Magid , we’re not just passionate about safety—we’re passionate about people. As an industry leader, we’ve built an innovative and collaborative environment where diversity is celebrated, ideas are valued, and personal and professional growth never stops.

The Import Purchasing Specialist manages international purchase orders from placement through delivery, ensuring timely supply, accurate system data, and alignment with inventory plans. This role serves as the primary supplier contact, leading negotiations on pricing and lead times while monitoring performance and driving improvements. Working cross-functionally with Planning, Logistics, QA, Finance, and Warehouse teams, the specialist resolves supply issues, supports urgent demand needs, and mitigates risks.

The role also ensures vendor compliance, maintains accurate purchasing data, and supports product transitions to enable consistent and efficient supply chain execution.

• Place, track, and manage purchase orders from creation through delivery
• Monitor in-route inventory and ensure alignment with system data
• Resolve discrepancies related to shipments, quantities, and delivery timing
• Support urgent demand needs through expediting and air freight arrangements in partnership with Planning
• Lead supplier negotiations to control pricing (FOB, LPP) and achieve cost targets
• Negotiate and manage supplier lead times to support inventory and service goals
• Own supplier communication regarding orders, production schedules, and issue resolution
• Drive continuous improvement with suppliers on cost, lead time, and reliability
• Support vendor compliance requirements (e.g., CTPAT) and risk management initiatives
• Identify and escape vendor risks that may impact supply continuity
• Support product transitions (new styles, vendor changes, phase-in/phase-out) from a supply execution standpoint
• Partner with Planning on low inventory reviews and take action to mitigate supply gaps
• Align ordering and shipment decisions with planning strategy
• Work closely with QA, Logistics, GPS, Finance, and Warehouse on all vendor-related activities and issue resolution
• Serve as the key contact for supplier-related communication across departments
• Collaborate with external partners (for example MDM, Tytan) on order inquiries and execution
• Manage key system activities including Estimated Ship Date updates (64 screen) and related monthly processes
• Ensure purchase orders and vendor information reflect the most current and correct data

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of experience in Supply Chain Management
• Strong purchase order management and supply chain execution skills
• Supplier negotiation expertise (pricing, freight terms, lead times)
• Knowledge of international trade and import processes (e.g., FOB, compliance requirements)
• Ability to track and manage in-transit inventory and resolve discrepancies
• Data accuracy and system management experience (ERP systems such as AS400 or similar)
• Analytical skills to monitor KPIs, identify trends, and drive improvements
• Risk assessment and problem-solving capabilities in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communication and relationship management with global suppliers
• Cross-functional collaboration with Planning, Logistics, QA, Finance, and Operations teams
• Ability to prioritize and manage urgent requests, including expediting and air freight coordination
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Continuous improvement mindset focused on cost, service, and reliability

• Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Company provided Profit Sharing
• Participation in Magid Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy
• 9 Paid Holidays

Magid Glove & Safety is a leading manufacturer, distributor, and importer of hand protection and safety products, e.g. Work gloves, fall protection, reusable and disposable respirators. We are an innovative, growing, and privately…