Inventory and Buying Lead

Role Overview

An organization in the Chicagoland area is seeking an experienced Inventory & Buying Lead to help strengthen ordering, inventory movement, and retail fulfillment performance. The position is centered on end-to-end logistics leadership, with a strong emphasis on operating effectively in a big box retail setting and collaborating closely with retail partners and third-party logistics providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily logistics activities spanning transportation, warehousing, inventory control, and order fulfillment.
• Coordinate ordering and forecast planning with major retail partners, with Walmart experience noted as highly preferred.
• Act as a main liaison for external buying teams as well as internal business stakeholders.
• Identify and implement process enhancements that improve efficiency, lower costs, and raise service quality.
• Work with 3PL partners to keep operations running smoothly and to negotiate service arrangements.
• Guide and support a small team while building a cooperative, results-focused culture.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate brings experience managing big box retail accounts, especially Walmart if possible, along with a strong foundation in inventory management, logistics, and supply chain operations. They should also be able to lead improvement efforts, communicate clearly with partners, and take a practical, proactive approach to operational challenges.

Work Setting and Compensation

This role is based in the Greater Chicago Area and is described as hybrid/onsite, with schedule details to be discussed during the conversation. The base compensation is listed at $70,000 to $120,000 per year. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Additional Information

The employer states that it is an equal opportunity employer and includes veterans and disabled candidates. The company will also review qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in line with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. A candidate privacy statement is referenced for information on how applicant data will be used.