Fast Facts

Join our award-winning team as a Sourcing Specialist, driving procurement initiatives for our innovative educational toy product lines while collaborating with various departments to enhance supply chain efficiency.

Responsibilities: Manage vendor quotes, optimize supply chains, facilitate prototype routing, and maintain communication across departments to streamline product sourcing and development.

Skills: Expertise in product sourcing, particularly in Asian manufacturing, strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or Engineering and at least 3 years of relevant sourcing experience is required.

Location: Position based in Vernon Hills, IL with potential night hours for communication with Asian suppliers.

Compensation: $75000 - $85000 / Annually

About our family of companies:

We are on a mission to bring learning to life! At our family of companies, Learning Resources®, Educational Insights, and hand2mind, we create a unique range of toys, educational products and supplemental curriculum trusted by teachers and loved by families alike. Voted among the Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces for the last four consecutive years, we are a 350-person strong, family-owned organization dedicated to helping kids succeed in school and develop a love of learning. In addition to high-quality, hands-on products like VersaTiles® and Cuisenaire® Rods, we make award-winning toys, including top sellers such as the Pretend & Play® Cash Register, the Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set and Toy of the Year winner Botley® the Coding Robot as well as Educational Insights top sellers Kanoodle®, GeoSafari® Jr. series, and Playfoam™. We pride ourselves on being committed to our employee’s personal and professional development, a thriving culture and a diverse, creative atmosphere. Along with our culture and competitive benefits package, we offer a variety of opportunities for training and development. We are looking for professionals who are truly just kids at heart! We hope you’ll come join our award-winning team today!

Position Description:

We are seeking an experienced Sourcing Specialist to drive strategic procurement initiatives for our educational toy product lines. This role will leverage deep supplier networks and cost analysis expertise to optimize our supply chain, ensuring high-quality, child-safe materials at competitive prices. The ideal candidate will combine technical sourcing acumen with cross-functional collaboration skills to support product innovation and operational excellence

What we’re looking for (Key Performance Objectives):  

• Item Management

1. Maintain and update the quote comparison file daily upon receipt of vendor quotes.
2. Identify resourcing opportunities based on item usage, vendor consolidation opportunities, and margin improvement.
3. Collaborate with Buyers and Product Development to identify and onboard new product sources.

• Quote Management

1. Create and distribute comprehensive quote packages including specifications, target costs, forecasted demand, and 3D files.
2. Follow up with vendors to ensure timely quote responses.
3. Analyze vendor quotes to determine the best fit for product and supplier alignment.

• Sample Management

1. Route prototypes and samples to internal teams within 24 hours of receipt.
2. Provide timely feedback to suppliers following sample review.
3. Manage golden sample storage and maintain accurate approval documentation.

• Data Management

1. Update ERP systems for products approved for resourcing.
2. Maintain mold tracking files, including location updates and new mold entries.

• Communication

1. Serve as a liaison across departments including Planning, Purchasing, Product Development, Quality, and Creative.
2. Respond to vendor communications within 48 hours to ensure efficient workflow and relationship management.
3. Interact with trade attorney to acquire Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) information as needed.

Requirements/Ideal Attributes:

• Bachelors Degree required in related field (i.e. Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering).
• 3+ years product sourcing experience
• Experience with Asian manufacturing industry specifically injection molding; print, wood, EVA foam and fabric products a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Access.
• Must effectively interact with various internal customers and managers; communication ability and interpersonal skills are critical.
• Ability to work some night hours when there is a need for verbal communication, via phone, with Asian suppliers.

We are a drug-free workplace and an EEO employer.

Please note: This role will be filled by our internal recruitment team, so no assistance is needed from any outside staffing agency at this time.

Compensation Range: $75,000 – $85,000 annual salary – Actual compensation may vary due to other factors such as: years of experience, skill set or location. Total compensation includes profit sharing bonus potential, 401k matching, and a variety of other benefits (details can be found here). 

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