Senior Print Procurement Analyst

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in District of Columbia.

📋 Description

• Lead comprehensive print sourcing events from start to finish, encompassing requirements definition, RFQs/RFPs, supplier evaluation, and award recommendations.

• Negotiate terms including pricing, payment schedules, capacity commitments, service levels, and multi-year contracts with commercial printers.

• Develop and implement a sourcing strategy for the print category, focusing on vendor consolidation, capacity allocation, and supplier qualification.

• Own savings and cost-avoidance objectives and communicate results to supply chain leadership.

• Analyze unit price, paper costs, freight charges, landed expenses, make-ready and run-length economics, inventory carrying costs, and associated risks.

• Monitor trends in paper and commodity markets and provide guidance to leadership.

• Construct and maintain print cost models for budgeting, reprint decisions, and various scenario analyses.

• Create vendor scorecards and performance analytics, leading vendor business reviews.

• Plan, monitor, and report on print expenditure, savings, and procurement metrics.

• Assist in annual print budgeting and forecasting in collaboration with Finance and Demand Planning teams.

• Utilize AI tools such as Claude to generate RFQs, assess supplier proposals, draft vendor communications, and enhance purchase order workflows.

• Design and implement automation and AI-driven advancements within print procurement processes.

• Test, improve, train others on, and document AI-powered sourcing workflows.

• Maintain standard operating procedures, ISBN print specifications, and vendor print status tracking.

• Validate print specifications and vendor capabilities, covering aspects such as paper stock, binding, color, file formats, and press requirements.

• Coordinate print schedules and vendor timelines with Demand Planning and production partners.

• Identify and escalate risks concerning capacity, paper availability, and changes in specifications.

• Oversee the creation, approval, and reconciliation of purchase orders in NetSuite, addressing any invoice and pricing discrepancies.

• Conduct regular visits to key vendors for qualification and onboarding processes.

• Collaborate with Operations leadership on procurement strategies, supplier relationships, and policies.

⛳️ Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in print procurement, sourcing, manufacturing, or operations, including direct negotiations with commercial printers.

• Proven experience in leading extensive RFQ/RFP processes and making data-driven award recommendations.

• Advanced proficiency in Excel, including skills in pivot tables, lookups, and modeling.

• Capability to develop cost comparisons and scenario analyses based on supplier proposals.

• Working knowledge of offset and digital printing, binding and finishing processes, paper, and print production specifications.

• Practical experience with, or a keen interest in, applying AI tools to sourcing, procurement, or operational workflows.

• Experience managing purchase orders and procurement transactions within an ERP system such as NetSuite.

• Strong negotiation, vendor management, communication, and relationship-building abilities.

• Capacity to influence senior stakeholders effectively.

• Ability to manage multiple sourcing events and projects concurrently while meeting critical deadlines.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Smartsheet or equivalent project management software, and SharePoint or similar collaboration platforms.

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, operations, information systems, or a related field.

• New employees must successfully pass a background check.

• A cover letter and resume are mandatory.

• Preferred: experience in educational publishing, curriculum development, or K–12 education.

• Preferred: knowledge of instructional materials manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution.

• Preferred: experience with AI-assisted sourcing, procurement analytics, or workflow automation platforms.

• Preferred: experience in paper purchasing.

• Preferred: working knowledge of NetSuite and Salesforce.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

• Flexible work hours and a supportive work environment.