At Japs-Olson (JO), we believe a career should be more than a job, it should be an opportunity to leave a lasting impression. As a trusted leader in direct mail and commercial printing for over a century, JO is proud to be an employer of choice in the Twin Cities, empowering our team to solve problems creatively within a culture of collaboration and growth.
Whether you're a recent graduate eager to launch your career, seeking meaningful work that aligns with your values, or a seasoned professional ready to share your expertise, JO is a place where your contributions can make a difference. We offer competitive benefits, career advancement opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance, all within a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to grow and succeed.
Join JO, where progress is celebrated, people are uplifted, and your ideas can make a difference every day.
Position Summary:
The Senior Supply Chain Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of materials, especially paper, for our high-volume print manufacturing operations. This role combines strategic sourcing, vendor management, and operational execution, with a strong emphasis on paper buying. The ideal candidate will bring deep knowledge of paper markets, strong negotiation skills, and a proactive approach to supply chain optimization.
Primary Job Responsibilities:
- Lead procurement activities for paper and other key raw materials, ensuring alignment with production schedules and inventory targets.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with paper mills, merchants, and other suppliers to ensure reliable supply and favorable terms.
- Monitor market trends, pricing, and availability of paper products to inform purchasing decisions and mitigate risk.
- Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements to drive cost savings and secure supply continuity.
- Collaborate with internal teams, including production, scheduling, and finance, to forecast material needs and resolve supply issues.
- Work closely with purchasing associates and be a resource for daily questions.
- Manage and optimize purchase orders in the ERP system, ensuring accuracy in pricing, quantities, and delivery timelines.
- Support the Director of Supply Chain in executing strategic initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
- Analyze supplier performance and contribute to vendor scorecard evaluations.
- Participate in sustainability and ethical sourcing initiatives.
- Lead FSC certification efforts internally and coordinate audits with FSC.
- Lead major purchasing activities, with a primary focus on paper, identifying cost savings through inventory management, supplier negotiations, pricing, payment terms, and purchasing strategies.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, ISO standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, or a related field or equivalent experience.
- 4+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain, preferably in a manufacturing or print-related environment.
- Strong knowledge of paper grades, specifications, and sourcing channels.
- Proven negotiation and vendor management skills.
- Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration.
Position Information:
- Pay Range: $90,000-$110,000
- Status: Exempt (Salaried)
- Shift: 7am-4pm, Monday-Friday
JO is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.
The pay range listed reflects typical compensation based on market data, generally between the 25th and 75th percentile for similar roles. Where you land within that range depends on your experience, skills, and qualifications. Our recruiters will keep you in the loop throughout the process, so you know where you stand. We’re committed to fair and open conversations every step of the way.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, or a related field, or equivalent experience
- 4+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain
- Strong knowledge of paper grades, specifications, and sourcing channels
- Proven negotiation and vendor management skills
- Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Commitment to continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration
What We Do
Japs-Olson Company, LLC (JO) is a full-service leader in commercial printing and direct mail services based in Minnesota. Founded in 1907, the company provides high-performance, customized printing and mailing solutions for diverse markets, including financial services, healthcare, and retail. Operating from a massive 720,000-square-foot facility, JO focuses on speed, precision, and reliability to help businesses create a lasting impression with their target audience.
