Junior Purchasing Agent

About the role

Imperial Brady is a leading North American distributor and solutions provider for cleaning and facility care, foodservice, and packaging. With more than 13,000 employees and a broad supply‑chain network, the company delivers national scale with local expertise. The Jr. Print Purchasing Agent will join the Purchasing team to help propel the business to the next level, overseeing customers’ proprietary items for multiple warehouses and acting as a product expert for the Sales team, print reorder‑purchasing agents, and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Work with sales representatives on new print item quotes, item approvals, system set‑up, processing, and tracking of purchase orders.
• Negotiate with suppliers to maintain proper inventory flow.
• Handle new print item set‑up, obtain vendor quotes, manage art/proof approvals, and initiate the first purchase orders.
• Serve as the primary contact for sales reps on all print changes, including artwork refreshes, source‑vendor changes, or program changes.
• Provide specifications, obtain quotes, coordinate art proof approvals, samples, plate or new‑item charges, and write the first inventory purchase order.
• Ensure new items are entered into the system, opened for all servicing warehouses, and that exit maintenance for old items is completed with appropriate substitutes entered.
• Set up and order/track non‑stock print special orders, often identified by the buyer’s name.
• Onboard new print items for new customers, coordinate product transfers from prior distributors, and arrange vendor pick‑ups for purchase orders.
• Confirm lead times and initial order quantities align with forecasts, track due dates, and follow up on past‑due items.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.
• Prior purchasing experience or exposure to supply‑chain or purchasing concepts (a plus).
• Working knowledge or prior experience buying proprietary printed items (a plus).
• Experience with long lead times and/or import ordering (a plus).
• Demonstrated sense of urgency and ability to negotiate with suppliers.
• Clear communication skills with both suppliers and the Sales team.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel and quick to learn other technical applications.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) program with company match.
• Life insurance.
• Generous paid time off package.
• Educational reimbursement.
• Paid family leave and adoption assistance.