Marketing Associate - Paper and Print Production/Purchasing

The objective of this position is to function as a liaison between internal business partners and external suppliers for both print production and paper procurement for Acquisition Marketing direct mail. This position is charged with coordinating effective purchasing methodologies to take advantage of cost reduction opportunities for both printing and paper. Job responsibilities include:
Supplier ManagementManage supplier relationships with eight paper suppliers and ten production suppliers.Purchase paper within the guidelines of existing contracts and three bid on spot buys of non-contracted papers.Represent DFS with various suppliers, including occasional site visits of manufacturing locations.Partner with external suppliers to produce quality Acquisition direct mail packages.Clearly communicate job requirements, product specifications and delivery requirements to suppliers, and generate purchase orders. Also communicate changes to orders as necessary.Ensure that suppliers achieve and maintain acceptable print and paper quality.Problem-solve issues that arise with suppliers to determine alternatives, then make recommendations to business partners.Project ManagementGather and analyze project requirements to calculate paper requirements, generate purchase orders for manager review, manage delivery timelines and inventory, perform physical audits of paper inventory that occasionally require out-of-state travel, enforce external supplier accountability for reporting accuracy and timeliness, and adhere to contract requirements.Act as lead production contact for Acquisition direct mail campaigns managing multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously.Manage direct mail program(s) from project initiation to drop date remaining on schedule, on budget and brand right.Consult with business partners and creative agency on package design and suggest recommendations for cost and postal efficiencies.Identify process improvements to streamline production process.Identify specifications of program/project and whether it falls under existing Acquisition volume pricing agreements if not follow required three bid purchasing policy.Adhere to three bid purchasing policies. Determine three or more vendors based on suppliers capabilities and recommendation from Manager or peers. Send formal request for quotation, prepare bid summary, analyze pricing and award job.Provide detailed instructions to all vendors involved including but limited to prepress vendor, outer envelope vendor, commercial web printer, sheetfed printer, specialty printer, lettershop/fulfillment supplier and freight/logistics supplier.Manage, manipulate and confirm accuracy of complex Acquisition matrices.Attend press approval for all print components that are new packages to ensure print and color quality.Implement postal and freight cost savings initiatives such as commingling and National Service Agreement.Collaboration and communicationAct as lead liaison between internal and external business partners.Provide a high level of service and teamwork in all business relationships.Meet business sectors needs through partnership and clear communication.Prepare and deliver clear, well-organized presentations.Express oneself effectively in oral and written communication.Communicate job specifications and timing requirements to for all project components to suppliers to receive accurate pricing.
FinancialManage paper and print budget/Plan according to business partner goals and objectives.Provide accurate and timely project information to Information Management team for job and cost tracking purposes.Maintain Acquisition Purchase Order log.Provide job summary to internal business partner with 60 days of the drop date.Recommend additional reports or updates. REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED SKILLS:
Skills Required:
Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3-5 years of recent, applicable business experience, including basic knowledge of both paper and print production. Strong project management, analytical, organizational and communication skills are a must. In addition, this individual must have the ability to develop and maintain positive, productive business partner relationships. Other requirements include the ability to effectively negotiate pricing, oversee multiple projects, problem solve effectively, consult on paper specification, and make recommendations for cost and paper efficiencies. Proficient use of Microsoft Office softwareDESIRED SKILLS: