Senior Buyer

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

SUMMARY

This key position must understand and be able to execute procurement and sourcing best practices. 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.
  • Evaluate and measure vendor’s performance, initiating corrective action when expectations are not met ensuring maximum performance.
  • Identifies areas of risk for the business (i.e. delivery, quality, cost, performance, etc.) and makes recommendations mitigating risk.
  • Solicit and evaluate quotations, place and amend purchase orders, and follow up on supplier commitments for assigned products.  
  • Participate in evaluation and selection of new suppliers.
  • Maintain the accuracy of purchase item data and planning parameters driving the MPS/MRP processes.
  • Analyze and solve 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.   
  • Other key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
    • Ability to work cross-functionally, with other departments, to ensure that both internal and external service levels are met.
    • Reviewing and analyzing data to determine cost saving opportunities through vendor consolidation and/or contract renegotiations.
    • Effectively dealing with Asian factories and trading companies.
    • Other duties for this role will be assigned as necessary/appropriate. 

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required:

  • Bachelors Degree – any concentration.
  • Five-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.
  • Effective interpersonal skills and ability to interact with various internal customers and other managers.

 

 

 

Sales Manager – Office Segments Key Ed Accounts

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Location: Vernon Hills, IL
Status: Full Time
Travel: Up to 45%

SUMMARY

This role is responsible for growing business increasing existing sales and generation new opportunities to maximize revenue generation and margin. This will include maintaining the integrity of product and creating a bigger presence of the company’s product.  

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

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

  • Manage key house accounts.  Maintain and grow the business in Office Supply segment
  • Manage outside Independent Office Supply Rep Organization
  • Able to successfully meet sales projections and budgets as set by themselves and sales management team
  • Contact regular and prospective customers, scheduling appointments and visits to review product needs to grow sales by identifying and providing solutions to customers.  Write catalog proposals, Present POG and write web proposals for customer visits.  Identify prospective customers following leads from existing clients, participating in organizations, and attending trade shows and conferences.
  • Recommend products to customers, based on customer’s needs and interests.  Demonstrate products, explain product features, and solicit orders.  Answer customer’s questions about product uses, and credit limits.
  • Estimate or quote prices, credit or contract terms, warranties and delivery dates that meet specific customer needs.  Prepare sales contracts and order forms. Negotiate details of contracts and payments.
  • Consult with customers after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support.  Liaise with customers and the company for up-to-date status of service, pricing and new product release launches.
  • Attend trade Shows, reviewing new products, and identify new business.  Know competition’s product and be acquainted with the deals and terms they offer.
  • Review and analyze sales reports for opportunities to expand existing sales and gain new pieces of business and act accordingly.  Prepare reports for marketing and sales and file expense account reports.
  • Perform administrative duties, such as preparing sales budgets and reports, keeping sales records, maintaining and updating customers’ account information in Salesforce.

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required:

  • Associates Degree – any concentration.
  • Three-plus years of proven account management sales (business-to-business) experience.
  • Two-plus years of experience selling into an office supply channel.
  • Proficient in MS Office.

Preferred:

  • Bachelors Degree – any concentration.
  • Five-plus years of proven account management sales (business-to-business) experience.
  • Three-plus years of experience selling into an office supply channel.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to negotiate sales with existing/potential customers on an as needed basis. 
  • Ability to manage time effectively in a deadline driven environment.
  • 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 and team feedback.
  • Understands the importance of establishing a strong brand.
  • Detail oriented and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and is adaptable to change.
  • Ability to make critical decisions.  
  • Solution focused and ability to decipher and customize sales approach to focus on customer needs.
  • Ability to convey messages appropriate to a variety of audiences internally as well as externally.
  • Effective interpersonal skills interacting with various potential/existing customers and industry partners.

 

 

 

 

Administrative Assistant

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

SUMMARY

Responsible for oversight of various acquired title, mortgage, and brokerage companies; handling compliance and reporting. Also provides assistance to Executive management on an as needed basis for special projects.  

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

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

  • Run elaborate compliance program to ensure all businesses/properties are in compliance with various regulations.
  • Monitors proposed, adopted and amended rules and regulations.
  • Establishes, documents and amends compliance related policies and procedures.
  • Research compliance related issues, projects or initiatives and advises of regulatory requirements, as well as possible regulatory ramifications and/or options of proposed undertakings.
  • Investigates compliance related issues from internal and external customers; independently evaluates situations, makes decisions and solves problems.
  • Escalate issues to executive management when necessary.
  • Compile information into reports for internal use.
  • Answer incoming calls providing excellent customer service on an as needed basis.  
  • Support executive management with special projects on an ongoing as needed basis.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or equivalent and a minimum of seven-plus years of administrative assistant experience supporting more than one member of executive level management or equivalent relevant work experience 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.

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

Team Leader

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Location: Palatine, IL
Status: Full Time (Non Exempt)
Travel: Minimal

SUMMARY

Responsible for managing all day-to-day operations of assigned office(s) within jurisdiction. Also responsible for managing independent Realtor contractors as well as administrative office staff.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

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

  • Attract, interview, qualify and hire experienced and non-experienced real estate agents.
  • Render suggestions for improvement of office space.
  • Render suggestions for improvement of marketing programs.
  • Make recommendations to the Broker of incremental improvements in “Quick Start”, “Expectation Letter”, “90 Day Plan”, Leadership Manual inclusions, websites and all other documents and programs of the Brokerage.
  • Interface with all relevant members of the Leadership team.
  • Interface with staff at all physical locations within your jurisdiction.
  • Report to area Manager, if any, weekly on the agreed upon agenda.
  • Provide format and education necessary for Consultants to complete their Individual Business Plan and follow it.
  • Meet with Consultants and complete goal report.
  • Dehire Consultants as necessary.
  • Provide proactive field and in-house training for Consultants.
  • Provide scripts and review with Consultants.
  • Observe Consultants interface with customers and clients.
  • Monitor calendar of all training and education events.
  • Consistently meet with individual Consultants.
  • Schedule prospecting sessions on a regular basis with Consultant Groups.
  • Participate in the development, scheduling and monitoring of regular contests.
  • Publicize the success of individual Consultants.
  • Attend company activities and functions as a role model.
  • Review of activity results through management programs relative to the Consultant’s goals, activities and results.
  • Participate in Team Leader meetings.
  • Attend Sales Rallies and Conventions.
  • Attend all company retreats.
  • Meet with Administration or administrative assistant monthly.
  • Participate in “Team Leader on Call” schedule.
  • Hire and Manage office staff at each location.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or equivalent and a valid managing broker’s license are a must. Two-plus years experience in a leadership role is required. A proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is also required.

The ideal candidate must have a demonstrated ability to problem solve with minimal direction and supervision; solution focused. A candidate with high energy, strong multi-tasking skills, and excellent communication skills (written and oral) is also preferred.  High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, ability to manage time effectively, and ability to organize information and create reports on an as needed basis are a must. A self-motivated and proactive candidate with a strong sense of collaboration is highly preferred.

Real estate background and experience working in a sales environment are extremely preferred.

Marketing Associate

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Location: Milwaukee, WI
Status: Full Time
Travel: Up to 25%

SUMMARY

Responsible for generating consumer demand by coordinating retail demonstrations, strategizing retail promotions sales associates, and by supporting staff contractors serving as Brand Ambassadors or Merchandizers in the field.  


ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

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

  • Represent Rishi at B2B trade shows and B2C consumer events.
  • Maintain an inventory of the company’s trade show and consumer event supplies in collaboration with Marketing Communications Manager.
  • Plan and execute a retail demo and grassroots sampling program with strategic input from Sales Directors; coordinate staffing with third party demo providers as well as brand ambassadors and merchandizers operating in market; own a retail demo and sampling budget with oversight from the Marketing Director.
  • Serve as a point of contact for remote merchandizers, brand ambassadors, and territory sales managers in tandem with the appropriate Sales Director; outfit those personnel with supplies and promotional materials; maintain regular communication with remote personnel to provide product updates.
  • Provide brand identity training for remote brand ambassadors and merchandizers.
  • Coordinate the development and implementation of POS materials with design team (shelf-talkers, signage, etc.).
  • Coordinate print and digital coupon generation; maintain relationships with coupon clearinghouses; review and report on coupon redemption to Sales and Marketing leadership.
  • With direction from retail sales leadership, attend new store openings and make store visits during market tours.
  • Serve as the marketing contact for retail brokers and distributors; provide brand identity training and outfit those partners with POS and marketing materials; conduct ride- alongs with brokers as requested by Sales leadership.
  • Manage an inventory and own a budget for branded swag and promotional items; communicate with Sales leadership directly regarding regional allocations of promo items.
  • Communicate status updates about product changes and collateral development to Sales team.

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelors Degree in any concentration and a minimum of three-plus year(s) of experience in a marketing role are required. Experience with project management and/while working with a budget and a proficiency in MS Office are also required. Experience in the specialty food and beverage industry, coffee industry, or a natural product industry is a must.

A self-motivated and proactive candidate with a strong sense of collaboration is highly preferred. Experience working as a Brand Ambassador and/or one-plus year(s) of Social Media / Marketing Copywriting experience are also preferred. Additionally, a candidate with high energy, strong multi-tasking skills, and excellent communication skills (specifically, public speaking skills) is preferred. A highly attentive candidate with a strong business acumen and the ability to work with minimal supervision is also preferred. Also, a financially savvy candidate with experience planning and tracking marketing or sales budgets is preferred.

An eagerness and willingness to learn about tea is strongly preferred.

 

Marketing Web Designer

/in , /by

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

SUMMARY

Come use your marketing and creative graphic design skills to promote our award winning educational tools and supplemental curriculum. As our Marketing Web Designer, you’ll concept, create, and implement impactful graphics for our eCommerce site, email campaigns, ads, and other digital marketing initiatives. Your daily activities will grow consumer interest resulting in increased sales and brand loyalty. This position will design for an eCommerce site, its social presences, and email program. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

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

  • Wireframe, design, and code creative components of all related digital properties, including but not limited to websites, email, and social media.
  • Build and edit impactful web pages using provided marketing copy and digital marketing collateral to drive consumer sales.
  • Work with Creative team and Creative Director to ensure brand standards are being followed consistently across the organization and when necessary, define digital standards as brand evolves.
  • Continually refresh design specifications as needed to keep current with evolving marketing strategy.
  • Ensure quality and successful implementation through testing.
  • Supply email reporting from email platform.

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required:

  • Bachelor’s Degree – any concentration.
  • Two-plus years of HTML and CSS design experience.
  • Three-plus years of graphic design experience.
  • Must be proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, InCopy, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, etc.)
  • Strong creative layout and design skills with experience in responsive design for web and email, especially in support of mobile form factors
  • Strong conceptual and creative skills and commitment to customer satisfaction. 
  • Proficient in MS Office.

Preferred:

  • Five-plus years of HTML and CSS webpage and email design experience.
  • Experience in creating marketing emails for product promotion.
  • Light video production and editing experience.
  • Creative direct-to-consumer education industry experience working with products for children.
  • Demonstrated ability to problem solve with minimal direction and supervision; solution focused.
  • 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.
  • Energetic with the ability to influence change for the better by evaluating inefficiencies and developing and recommending ways to improve.
  • Highly collaborative with the ability to translate feedback and input into exceptional creative design
  • 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.
  • Recognizes the importance of establishing a strong and transformative brand.
  • Thrives in a fast-paced environment and is adaptable to change.

 

Buyer

/in , /by

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.