Job Overview:

This entry level Junior Operations Specialist for Marketing is primarily responsible for negotiating and administering purchase orders with suppliers of varying degrees in complexity and/or sensitivity, ensuring that cost, quality, and delivery terms are adhered to and met. The Junior Operations Specialist will be the central point of contact for all issues related to the marketing services vertical, including but not limited to printed and promotional goods and services.  This role is responsible for building a relationship with the operating company marketing teams, reviewing purchase requisitions, ensuring appropriate authorization and adequate documentation from key members within the organization. The purpose of this role is to understand the business requirements for Marketing and related categories and lead the effort in selecting the supplier that can best meet all technical, quality, regulatory, and data requirements to deliver the greatest value for the company. 

Essential Functions:

• Independently conduct continuous professional growth and education to maintain expert level knowledge of emerging trends, suppliers, category knowledge
• Coordinate with current suppliers to drive continuous improvement to increase efficiencies without minimizing quality
• Maintain an excellent knowledge of the broader Print and Promotional market and competitor activities
• Collaborate with suppliers to generate improvements in innovation, quality, processes and speed to market for our clients
• Ensure that all programs, timelines, and vendor contractual obligations are fully met
• Process Purchase Orders (POs) amongst a large number of suppliers using a variety of ordering methods
• Resolving order issues with clients and suppliers
• Expedite and follow up with suppliers to ensure the accurate and timely delivery of purchase orders
• Form and maintain vendor relationships to meet SLA’s of performance, efficiency, and pricing requirements
• Research past orders to resolve issues and reconcile open transactions
• Manage customer’s expectations through timely feedback and proactive communication
• Ensure prompt and fair resolution to invoice discrepancies
• Manage supplier managed ordering sites
• Work with supplier on platform upgrades to ensure design and flow of product is accurate
• Maintain inventory and usage through online reporting function

Minimum Education and/or Experience:

• 4-year college degree or 2-4 years in purchasing or other financially focused role
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Must have a strong understanding of the development and production process for all print and promotional commodities (preferred)
• Strong communication and supplier relationship building skills; ability to manage a category and understand service level agreements
• Strong analytical and financial capabilities

Skills/Abilities:

• Experience utilizing an eProcurement system
• Strong supplier relationship, organizational & project management skills
• Excellent analytical ability, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and in teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentations to a wide range of partners
• Experience working with Senior Executives across multiple business functions internally and with suppliers
• Superior communications, interpersonal and presentation skills with strong influencing and persuasive talents
• Strong leadership, influencing and communication skills
• Ability to work on multiple projects at the same time, under tight timelines and pressure.
• Self-starter with a good attitude to work within a cross functional team environment.
• Ability to learn fast, absorb knowledge and apply newly learned information
• Strong problem solving, organizational, and time management skills
• Ability to think creatively and find solutions to issues
• Detail oriented with the ability to multitask and complete tasks with efficiency and accuracy
• Ability self-manage, take initiative and be resourceful
• Excellent follow up skills
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator and InDesign (preferred)
• Understanding of PMS colors and print process (preferred)

Core Competencies: