Procurement Manager in Wheeling, Illinois at Crescent Cardboard Company LLC

Crescent Brands brings over 120 years of industry leadership in custom picture framing and art supply product development, manufacturing, and global sales. As a multi-generational, family-owned company, we are financially strong and committed to a culture rooted in customer service, integrity, and respect. Our headquarters is in Wheeling, Illinois, with additional facilities in Tennessee and Germany.

We are currently seeking a skilled and motivated Procurement Manager for our Wheeling, Illinois facility.

Job Summary

The Procurement Manager will lead our purchasing team and manage vendor relationships with a hands-on approach. This role covers everything from high-level negotiations and policy-setting to daily PO generation and budget tracking.

Essential Functions:

• Lead Negotiations: Negotiate with vendors for raw materials, finished goods, components, factory supplies and miscellaneous items to secure the best pricing, credit terms, and service guarantees.
• Manage Purchasing Operations: Generate and review purchase orders for all departments.
• Oversee Vendor Relationships: Develop new supply sources where vendors are inadequate and manage ongoing vendor relationships. Create scorecards to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track cost savings and vendor results.
• Direct the Team: Supervise and mentor the purchasing staff to ensure a productive and efficient workflow. Review, modify and create departmental procedures.
• Control the Budget: Follow budget rules, review competitive bids, and advise leadership on vendor selection.
• Support Production & Launches: Maintain clear communication with Marketing to ensure sales materials are available.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Act as a bridge between production, finance, and marketing to ensure all departments are aligned on material needs, lead times, and budget impacts.
• Enforce Compliance: Establish and monitor purchasing policies to ensure compliance with U.S. environmental laws, safety regulations, and corporate business ethics.
• Facility & Ancillary Management: Manage vendor relations for recycling programs (paper/board), vending services, and other value-added facility needs.

Experience: Minimum 5 years of procurement experience, specifically in Manufacturing (Packaging, CPG, Fabrication, etc).

Education: BS/BA in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Business.

Leadership: Proven experience managing a team and overseeing significant vendor portfolios.

Technical Skills: Strong data analysis skills and proficiency with ERPs and MS 365

Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills with a focus on clear, proactive communication across all departments.

Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the USA.

Must be able to navigate a manufacturing environment.

Successful completion of a background check and drug screen.