Buyer

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Location: Vernon Hills, IL
Status: Full Time
Travel: None

SUMMARY

This role is responsible for accurately and precisely planning and buying high quality cost effective products from both domestic and off-shore suppliers at the best possible price with a minimum of capital investment while achieving a high level of customer service. Individual must have an intimate working knowledge of MRP in order to successfully manage, control and optimize stocking levels of assigned products to achieve desired inventory turns, order fill rates and schedule attainment based on established objectives.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities may include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Responsible for procurement and delivery of assigned products and component materials needed to meet manufacturing and customer deadlines.  
  • Expertise in using MRP and planning tools, analyze inventory order patterns and sales data to provide input for strategic purchasing decisions.
  • Solicit and evaluate quotations, place and amend purchase orders, and follow up on supplier commitments for assigned products.  
  • Maintain the accuracy of purchase item data and planning parameters driving the MPS/MRP processes.
  • Analyze and solve complex purchasing problems with other departments (Accounting, Receiving, Production Planning, Product Development, etc.) such as conformance to quality or design requirements, material scheduling, receiving, and price disputes.
  • Continuously evaluate and improve purchasing procedures.
  • Recommends process improvements and innovative solutions to support achievement of goals as related to suppliers and products.   
  • Work some evenings (rotating schedule) assisting Asian suppliers over the telephone.

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required:

  • Bachelors Degree – any concentration.
  • Two-plus years of supply chain and/or inventory experience.
  • Intimate understanding and working knowledge of inventory systems (ERP/ MRP/ ERP/LX).
  • Proficient in MS Office.

Preferred:

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of users and support staff. 
  • Ability to manage time effectively in a deadline driven environment; independently executing work while working collaboratively with a team of peers.
  • Energetic with the ability to influence change for the better by evaluating inefficiencies and developing and recommending ways to improve.
  • Self-motivated; willingness to do what it takes, and at times taking on tasks outside of defined roles.
  • Committed to continuous learning by seeking, sharing, and applying best practices, industry examples, and team feedback.
  • Understands the importance of establishing a strong and transformative brand.
  • Detail oriented and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and is adaptable to change.
  • Ability to extract and analyze data in order to make critical decisions.  
  • Solution focused in a problem solving environment; fixing problems immediately (on a micro basis) as well as to finding solutions (on a macro basis).
  • Ability to convey messages appropriate to a variety of audiences internally as well as externally.
  • Excellent negotiation skills.

 

Real Estate Financial Analyst

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Location: Skokie, IL
Status: Full Time
Travel: Minimal

SUMMARY

Responsible for analyzing real estate acquisitions and asset management duties for the company’s real estate portfolio and responsible for analyzing acquisitions for company’s operating company portfolio.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Gather information pertinent to potential acquisition.
  • Analyze financial data in order to assist in corporate financial decisions; real estate valuation analysis; capital structure analysis.
  • Conduct market research such as: macroeconomic trends, property or entity specific diligence, property tours, and other relevant trend analysis.
  • Summarize conclusions generated from financial and situational analysis, authorize investment and reporting memoranda, and advocate recommendations on a pro-active basis.
  • Advise on new real estate investment opportunities for the company.
  • Monitor and analyze portfolios.
  • Target, analyze, and execute new investment opportunities; source new transactions and build relationships with operating partners.
  • Develop presentations and memoranda.
  • Assist in all aspects of the diligence and execution of transactions.
  • Compile information into reports for internal use; investor reporting.
  • Interact with key constituents including: capital investors, co-investment partners, lenders, borrowers, outside legal counsel, advisors, and third-party managers.
  • Liaise with accounting and property management staff to complete ongoing and ad job reporting for the firm’s investments.
  • Ongoing asset management.
  • Excel / Argus modeling.
  • Escalate issues to executive management when necessary.

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelors degree, with upper-level standing, in Business or Real Estate, and/or in a in a related or equivalent field. A minimum of six months of data analysis experience in the Real Estate and/or Financial industry, and a minimum of six months of relevant experience in real estate, corporate finance, and/or investment banking are required.

The ideal candidate must have an excellent academic background and strong cognitive ability, and a demonstrated ability to problem solve with minimal direction and supervision; solution focused. High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to manage time effectively, and ability to compile information and create timely reports on an as needed basis are a must.

Additionally, a passion for investment management, and the ability to serve internal and external constituents in a fast-paced and nimble environment is required. The ability to work under strict timelines as well as the ability to manage large amounts of data in an organized fashion are also required. Exceptional capability in Microsoft Excel is also required.

Experience using Argus is preferred. Real estate background and/or experience working in a sales environment is extremely preferred.

 

Business Analyst

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Location: Skokie, IL
Status: Full Time
Travel: Minimal

SUMMARY

Responsible for assisting in the evaluation of operating company acquisitions. Evaluate portfolio companies’ financial records and provide accurate projections for acquisition analysis.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Work with portfolio companies and their/our accounting staff to gather information pertinent to potential acquisition.
  • Interpret financial data in order to assist in corporate financial decisions.
  • Assist in determining and negotiating financial aspects of mergers and acquisitions.
  • Advises on new investment opportunities for the company.
  • Review all PNLs and other related information of portfolio companies considered for acquisition and provide time sensitive reports for executive management; providing accurate projections and analysis on global basis.
  • Compile information into reports for internal use.
  • Assist with the analysis of real estate acquisitions on an as needed basis.
  • Escalate issues to executive management when necessary.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelors degree in Finance or Accounting, and/or in a related or equivalent field and a minimum of two-plus years of experience working as a Business Analyst in the financial industry are required.

The ideal candidate must have a demonstrated ability to problem solve with minimal direction and supervision; solution focused. High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to manage time effectively, and ability to compile information and create reports on an as needed basis are a must. Additionally, the ideal candidate must have the ability to work under strict timelines and be able to manage large amounts of data in an organized fashion.

Masters degree in Finance or Accounting, and/or in a related or equivalent field is preferred. Real estate background and/or experience working in a sales environment is extremely preferred.

Regional Sales Director – East

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Location: New York, NY
Status: Full Time
Travel: 50%

SUMMARY

Responsible to drive the company’s growth in the designated region through multiple channels, including natural, specialty gourmet, grocery, specialty coffee, specialty tea, and foodservice retailers and distributors. This position will proactively prospect and close new business on a direct basis and through our network of distributors, and will also be responsible for developing and maintaining long-term relationships with new and existing customers.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Prospect, network and meet with key clients and decision makers.
  • Manage existing independent sales representatives and/or designated brokers within the region.
  • Exceed sales goals by closing new sales and establishing long-term relationships.
  • Manage existing customer base within region and generate growth from these accounts.
  • Manage budget, negotiate contracts, forecast sales activities and plan for growth.
  • Design and implement strategic sales plans.
  • Review market analyses to determine client needs, price schedules and strategy.
  • Understand and adapt to factors that influence business regionally and nationally.
  • Stay current with the industry and understand competitor strengths and weaknesses.
  • Analyze sales data, identify market expansion opportunities and recommend product line improvements to strengthen market position.
  • Generate and present sales reports and provide consistent and direct feedback to the VP – Sales and teammates on the sales, marketing and procurement teams.
  • Represent the company at industry trade shows, conferences and customer events.

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelors Degree in any concentration and a minimum of three-plus years of sales experience in the food and beverage and/or hotel and hospitality industry. One-plus years of demonstrated leadership experience is required.

The ideal candidate must possess a demonstrated passion for selling and growing business in an entrepreneurial environment as well as the ability to sell into large customers/accounts. A self-motivated and proactive candidate with a strong sense of collaboration is also a must.

Additionally, strong presentation skills and a high level of comfort explaining or demonstrating products to a variety of individuals/groups are preferred. A highly attentive and proactive team player with strong customer services abilities is also preferred.

Experience with coffee, specialty food, natural and organic, wine or tea is strongly preferred. Additionally, sales experience in the East region is also preferred.

Territory Account Executive

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Location: Chicago, IL
Status: Full Time
Travel: Up to 75%

SUMMARY

Responsible for building the business and brand presence through strategic new customer acquisition via street sales for a specific metropolitan market/region.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Perform lead follow-ups via email and phone, and place outbound cold calls for new prospects.
  • Uncover growth opportunities by canvassing prospective customers within assigned region.
  • Solicit new business opportunities in designated markets by visiting accounts in person.
  • Visit with key decision makers; build and strengthen relationships.
  • Present new products to current accounts; close new business within these accounts.
  • Maintain contact with both current and prospective customers.   
  • Work with all teams to process orders and successfully coordinate business needs.
  • Manage the market by working with distribution partners and direct customers.
  • Assist Regional Sales Director by producing reports outlining the new business opportunities and reviewing sales targets and goals for upcoming period(s).
  • Support the Regional Sales Director in assigned region on an as needed basis.
  • Utilize company CRM/ERP for all aspects of account management: lead generation and contact, accounts set up (following appropriate procedures as developed by A/R) to complete order cycle.
  • Provide clear expectations and information regarding out-of-stocks, new product arrivals, order fulfillment times, shipping and all other trouble-shooting required for account management.
  • Work across departments to ensure customers’ needs are met in all areas including A/R, new product development (R&D, compliance, purchasing), blending, production, fulfillment, shipping and creative.
  • Provide superior level of customer service and account management.
  • Educate existing customers about new and existing products as well as tea brewing techniques and general tea knowledge.
  • Conduct in-market sales calls and customer visits including coordinating tea classes, demonstrations and presentations as approved by the RSD
  • In-person visits to market as assigned by Regional Sales Director or Company executive on an as needed basis.
  • Responsible for being aware of, and following, all food safety protocols as required by company’s food safety management system, as they relate to this position.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelors Degree in any concentration and a minimum of one-plus years of inside sales experience (growing sales through new customer acquisition and/or customer retention and/or realizing growth opportunities within the current customer base) are required.

The ideal candidate must possess a demonstrated passion for selling and growing business in an entrepreneurial environment as well as the ability to sell into large customers/accounts. A self-motivated and proactive candidate with a strong sense of collaboration is also a must.

Additionally, strong presentation skills and a high level of comfort explaining or demonstrating products to a variety of individuals/groups are preferred. A highly attentive and proactive team player with strong customer services abilities is also preferred.

Experience with coffee, specialty food, natural and organic, wine or tea is strongly preferred.

 

Underwriter/ Mortgage Credit Analyst

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Location: Skokie, IL
Status: Full Time
Travel: Minimal

SUMMARY

Responsible for reviewing and analyzing customer financial documentation and propose solutions to assist customers in obtaining and/or retaining commercial property ownership.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities may include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Apply knowledge of mortgage servicing process and/or credit underwriting guidelines.
  • Identify and source new transactions from potential borrowers and brokers.
  • Develop marketing materials and help coordinate outreach programs.
  • Screen potential customer leads and manage ongoing pipeline reporting.
  • Review loan applications and data tapes.
  • Work with customers to compile underwriting and due diligence items.
  • Perform due diligence activities when underwriting.
  • Develop and present credit memos for loan committee approval.
  • Provide exceptional customer service through verbal and written communication.
  • Perform other related duties or special projects as assigned.
  • Exercise discretion and independent judgment to complete work assignment.
  • Balance the need for loan-volume growth with the equally important necessity of optimum underwriting quality to minimize risk while maximizing profitability.
  • Ensure loan submittals met internal and external eligibility requirements. 
  • Provide meticulous attention to detail in underwriting mortgages.
  • Evaluate the financial strength of borrowers to determine risk and repayment capacity.
  • Leverage knowledge of loan products to help restructure turned-down loans for subsequent approvals.
  • Maintain compliance with lending, underwriting and government requirements.
  • Demonstrate excellent follow-through with borrowers, loan processors, loan originators and management throughout all phases of the underwriting process.
  • Act as a support system for the Loan Officers.
  • Manage Owner’s schedule; coordinate travel and attendance for networking events on Owner’s behalf.

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • One-plus year(s) of underwriting and/or processing and/or mortgage credit analyst experience within the real estate industry.
  • Customer service and/or cold calling experience in an office environment.
  • Proficient in MS Office.

Preferred:

  • Bilingual in Spanish.
  • Three-plus year(s) of underwriting and/or processing and/or mortgage credit analyst experience within the real estate industry.
  • Commercial real estate background.
  • Demonstrated ability to problem solve with minimal direction and supervision; solution focused.
  • Proactive, dedicated, resourceful, innovative, responsible; a “no excuses” mentality.
  • Customer service oriented.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work under strict timelines and be able to manage large amounts of data in an organized fashion.

 

Title Examiner

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Location: Des Plaines, IL
Status: Full Time
Travel: Minimal

SUMMARY

Responsible for working independently and using experience to examine residential and commercial property, to determine status and establish chain of title.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities may include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Examine title and chain of title for residential and commercial properties.
  • Conduct searches and analyze public records in both electronic and paper files.
  • Provide a thorough examination of property titles to determine status of title and establish chain of title.
  • Accurately summarize recorded documents affecting title, such as deeds, mortgages, deeds to trust, liens, judgments, and contracts.
  • Research and examine court opinions and case abstracts for underwriting decisions.
  • Determine status of title and provide detail on information required on title commitments.
  • Communicate well, and work effectively with customers on title clearance activities.
  • Prepare and issue policy that guarantees legality of title and make other underwriting decisions.
  • Take ownership providing customers great customer service, guidance, and follow-up.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • One-plus year(s) of title examining experience with a working knowledge of the general search tools such as: title point and property insight.
  • Customer service experience in an office environment.
  • Proficient in MS Office.

Preferred:

  • Commercial and/or new construction title examining background.
  • Working knowledge of SoftPro Select, SoftPro, or a similar title software.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to problem solve with minimal direction and supervision; solution focused.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work under strict timelines and be able to manage large amounts of data in an organized fashion.

 

Escrow Closer

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Location: Des Plaines, IL
Status: Full Time
Travel: Minimal

SUMMARY

Responsible for managing escrow and processing title and real estate documents for refinances and purchases.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities may include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Work with realtors, attorneys and lenders to support, manage and oversee the success of their real estate transactions.
  • Provide account leadership while managing escrow closing transactions.
  • Manage steps from scheduling a closing to funding and disbursing a file.
  • Pull together all parties and make sure to communicate effectively to ensure every file funds in a successful way.
  • Review title commitments, sales contracts, surveys and other related documents to a real estate transaction.
  • Manage residential and commercial transactions.
  • Work with Examiners to review commitment and address exceptions which must be cleared prior to closing and to determine documentation necessary to waive exceptions.
  • Execute closing and obtain payments due, disburse funds to appropriate parties and maintain follow-up necessary for transaction completion and issuance of policy.
  • Manage closing transaction to complete real estate purchases.
  • Respond to questions regarding closing documents.
  • Assist in preparation, execution and recording of authorized documents.
  • Examine and clear requirements on title commitments and lender closing instructions to clear the file to close.
  • Prepare CD, HUD-1 Settlement Statements, conveyance and other settlement documents necessary to complete the closing transactions.
  • Review funds received and instruct on the disbursement of funds based on the HUD-1 Settlement Statement.
  • Take ownership providing customers great customer service, guidance, and follow-up.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • One-plus year(s) of closing RESPA, closing statement, and closing disclosure settlement experience.
  • One-plus year(s) of compiling title documents, explaining closing transactions to parties, and securing final signatures.
  • Working knowledge of all title closing documents.
  • Customer service experience in an office environment.
  • Proficient in MS Office.

Preferred:

  • Commercial and/or new construction title examining background.
  • Working knowledge of SoftPro Select, SoftPro, or a similar title software.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to problem solve with minimal direction and supervision; solution focused.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work under strict timelines and be able to manage large amounts of data in an organized fashion.