Outside Purchasing Associate

Outside Purchasing Associate – Commercial Print (Large Format, Web Printing & Labels) – Currently CCPM

Position Summary

The Outside Purchasing Associate is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing the procurement of commercial printing services from external vendors. This role focuses on large format printing, web printing, and label production while ensuring the highest standards of quality, competitive pricing, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction. The Outside Purchasing Associate develops strategic supplier relationships and works closely with Sales, Customer Service, Estimating, and Production to deliver cost-effective print solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and purchase commercial printing services including:
• Large Format Graphics
• Web Printing
• Pressure Sensitive Labels
• Roll-to-Roll Printing
• Wide Format Signage
• Packaging and Specialty Print Products
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new print vendors and manufacturing partners.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, and delivery schedules to maximize company profitability.
• Solicit competitive bids and analyze vendor quotations to obtain the best value.
• Issue purchase orders and monitor order status from placement through delivery.
• Coordinate production schedules with suppliers to ensure on-time shipment and customer deadlines are met.
• Resolve vendor quality issues, shipping discrepancies, and production challenges quickly and effectively.
• Maintain supplier performance metrics including quality, delivery, responsiveness, and pricing.
• Develop long-term strategic relationships with key print manufacturers.
• Monitor market trends, paper costs, substrates and substrate pricing, freight, inks, and other raw material pricing.
• Work closely with internal teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and alternative manufacturing solutions.
• Review specifications, artwork requirements, proofs, and production capabilities before placing orders.
• Ensure vendors comply with company quality standards and customer specifications.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and vendor documentation within the ERP or purchasing system.
• Assist in developing annual purchasing budgets and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Travel to vendor facilities, trade shows, and customer meetings as needed. – Maybe down the road?

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Printing Technology, or experience related equivalent.
• Minimum of five years of purchasing or procurement experience within the commercial printing industry.
• Strong knowledge of:
• Large Format Printing
• Web Printing
• Label Manufacturing
• Commercial Print Production
• Print Finishing Processes
• Experience negotiating supplier contracts and pricing
• Excellent understanding of commercial printing materials, substrates, inks, finishing, and production processes.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP/MRP purchasing systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing network of commercial print vendors and manufacturing partners.
• Familiarity with inventory management and demand planning.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Sourcing
• Vendor Relationship Management
• Cost Reduction & Cost Analysis
• Contract Negotiation
• Supply Chain Management
• Commercial Printing Expertise
• Project Management
• Quality Assurance
• Problem Solving
• Communication & Collaboration
• Time Management
• Customer Focus

Performance Metrics

• Annual cost savings achieved
• Vendor on-time delivery performance
• Purchase price variance
• Quality performance of suppliers
• Vendor responsiveness
• Customer satisfaction
• Gross margin improvement
• Order accuracy
• Supplier compliance

Compensation

Competitive salary plus comprehensive benefits package, paid time off, retirement plan, and opportunities for professional growth.

Why Trabon

Trabon is where big-brand complexity meets smart execution. We help multi-location brands scale with confidence, powered by a team that collaborates, solves fast, and genuinely enjoys doing great work together.

Trabon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace