Purchasing Coordinator

Job Overview

Kendall Hunt Publishing/Westmark Enterprises is seeking a skilled Purchasing Coordinator to oversee the purchase of manufacturing services for its publishing companies. This role involves managing vendor relationships related to printing and tangible items required for sales and marketing. The ideal candidate will possess a skill set that combines strong analytical, negotiation, and organizational capabilities. As a service-driven department, we are committed to adding value through a collaborative approach to procurement. This role requires the ability to assess data critically, negotiate effectively with suppliers, and manage procurement processes with efficiency and precision. By working closely with both internal teams and external partners, we strive to optimize cost, quality, and delivery, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and enhancing overall service delivery. If you are detail-oriented and thrive in a dynamic team environment, this role offers a great opportunity to make a real impact. Join our team today and be part of something bigger! Salary commensurate with experience.

Who We Are!

Westmark Enterprises is a support organization headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa that provides support functions such as information technology, human resources, inventory control, telecommunications, finance, and accounting for numerous affiliated companies, including Kendall Hunt Publishing, Westmark Development, Great River Learning, RCL Benziger, and Paradigm Education Solutions. To learn more about us, visit our website at www.westmarkenterprises.com  www.kendallhunt.com

As a Purchasing Coordinator, you can expect to:

• Reviews project specifications and previous costs and calculates manufacturing costs based on negotiated pricing
• Assigns manufacturing projects to vendors
• Creates and negotiates schedules and workflows against deadlines
• Works with distribution partners and vendors to coordinate product assembly and/or repairs
• Makes necessary entries in Business Central system related to costs and spec updates
• Collaborate with Production and Sales to offer the most cost-effective print solutions

Who We Need!

• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year College or university; Prior purchasing experience preferred.
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, demonstrates attention to detail. Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment
• Communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time and budget. Responds to requests for service and assistance. Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; sets goals and objectives. Works within approved budget
• Listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings
• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality
• Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan or solutions; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals

Why Us? We Understand It's More Than Just a Job!

Choosing a career path can be one of the most important decisions in one's life. Work is part of a person's identity. People need compelling reasons to remain at a job and a company day after day, year after year. As you consider a career change, we understand the benefits an employer offers are just as appealing as the job itself.

Kendall Hunt offers -

• Job Stability. Kendall Hunt and their family of companies have been around for over 75 years
• Career Growth. Gain some great experience to promote to higher roles - many of our leadership and upper management staff worked their way up in our family of companies
• Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance with Company paid life insurance, short term and long-term disability
• Generous company match on 401(k) plan, as well as profit sharing
• 15 days of PTO at hire, plus paid holidays
• Scholarship and tuition reimbursement

HRDept@kendallhunt.com

An Equal Opportunity Employer