Blue Signal Search
Procurement Specialist
Location:
On-site in Chicago, IL
Industry:
Advanced Manufacturing & Industrial Components
Employment Type:
Full-time
A global leader in high-performance industrial solutions is seeking a Procurement Specialist to drive efficiency, compliance, and cost savings across its production operations. This role plays a pivotal part in the success of the company's manufacturing processes, with a unique focus on optimizing materials sourcing and leading U.S. trade compliance initiatives, including tariff drawback programs.
This is a career-defining opportunity for a procurement professional eager to own strategy, streamline operations, and influence cost-saving initiatives. You’ll join a highly collaborative team environment that thrives on precision, innovation, and operational excellence in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing setting.
Key Responsibilities Procurement & Supply Chain Operations:
Lead day-to-day procurement functions, including sourcing raw materials, issuing POs, and managing vendor relationships.
Ensure the timely and cost-effective acquisition of both direct and indirect materials for production.
Collaborate with planning, warehouse, and inventory teams to maintain healthy stock levels and avoid delays.
Evaluate supplier performance regularly, leading initiatives to reduce costs without compromising quality.
Maintain up-to-date and accurate procurement data within ERP systems.
Trade Compliance & Tariff Drawback Program:
Own and optimize the entire tariff drawback process for eligible imported materials used in manufacturing.
Liaise with cross-functional teams (logistics, finance, operations) to gather and organize documentation for U.S. Customs compliance.
Coordinate with external consultants and brokers to ensure timely and accurate filing under all eligible drawback categories (unused, manufacturing, rejected merchandise).
Monitor evolving trade regulations and ensure all processes meet CBP compliance (19 CFR Part 191).
Quantify and present opportunities for duty recovery to support broader margin improvement efforts.
Required Qualifications
5–7 years of progressive procurement or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.
Direct experience managing or significantly supporting U.S. tariff drawback claims.
Expertise in supplier negotiation, sourcing strategy, and cost optimization.
Proficient in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite, with strong Microsoft Excel skills.
Familiarity with import/export processes and documentation (HTS codes, Entry Summaries, Bills of Lading, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated success filing CBP drawback claims (manufacturing or unused merchandise categories).
Knowledge of ISO standards or lean manufacturing principles.
Certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, CTCS, or other trade compliance credentials.
Experience working with third-party brokers and trade compliance service providers.
Key Traits for Success
Highly analytical with a detail-oriented mindset.
Skilled in balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
Comfortable leading cross-functional projects with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
Driven by results with a continuous improvement mindset.
This role offers a rare opportunity to blend procurement leadership with trade compliance expertise, allowing for measurable impact on both operational flow and bottom-line savings. If you're passionate about sourcing excellence and global trade strategy, apply now to learn more.
About Blue Signal Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS
#J-18808-Ljbffr
On-site in Chicago, IL
Industry:
Advanced Manufacturing & Industrial Components
Employment Type:
Full-time
A global leader in high-performance industrial solutions is seeking a Procurement Specialist to drive efficiency, compliance, and cost savings across its production operations. This role plays a pivotal part in the success of the company's manufacturing processes, with a unique focus on optimizing materials sourcing and leading U.S. trade compliance initiatives, including tariff drawback programs.
This is a career-defining opportunity for a procurement professional eager to own strategy, streamline operations, and influence cost-saving initiatives. You’ll join a highly collaborative team environment that thrives on precision, innovation, and operational excellence in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing setting.
Key Responsibilities Procurement & Supply Chain Operations:
Lead day-to-day procurement functions, including sourcing raw materials, issuing POs, and managing vendor relationships.
Ensure the timely and cost-effective acquisition of both direct and indirect materials for production.
Collaborate with planning, warehouse, and inventory teams to maintain healthy stock levels and avoid delays.
Evaluate supplier performance regularly, leading initiatives to reduce costs without compromising quality.
Maintain up-to-date and accurate procurement data within ERP systems.
Trade Compliance & Tariff Drawback Program:
Own and optimize the entire tariff drawback process for eligible imported materials used in manufacturing.
Liaise with cross-functional teams (logistics, finance, operations) to gather and organize documentation for U.S. Customs compliance.
Coordinate with external consultants and brokers to ensure timely and accurate filing under all eligible drawback categories (unused, manufacturing, rejected merchandise).
Monitor evolving trade regulations and ensure all processes meet CBP compliance (19 CFR Part 191).
Quantify and present opportunities for duty recovery to support broader margin improvement efforts.
Required Qualifications
5–7 years of progressive procurement or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.
Direct experience managing or significantly supporting U.S. tariff drawback claims.
Expertise in supplier negotiation, sourcing strategy, and cost optimization.
Proficient in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite, with strong Microsoft Excel skills.
Familiarity with import/export processes and documentation (HTS codes, Entry Summaries, Bills of Lading, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated success filing CBP drawback claims (manufacturing or unused merchandise categories).
Knowledge of ISO standards or lean manufacturing principles.
Certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, CTCS, or other trade compliance credentials.
Experience working with third-party brokers and trade compliance service providers.
Key Traits for Success
Highly analytical with a detail-oriented mindset.
Skilled in balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
Comfortable leading cross-functional projects with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
Driven by results with a continuous improvement mindset.
This role offers a rare opportunity to blend procurement leadership with trade compliance expertise, allowing for measurable impact on both operational flow and bottom-line savings. If you're passionate about sourcing excellence and global trade strategy, apply now to learn more.
About Blue Signal Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS
#J-18808-Ljbffr