Operations Purchasing Associate

Location: Midland, MI, US, 48642 | Full-time, On-Site

How You’ll Make an Impact

As an Operations Purchasing Associate, you’ll play an important role in supporting the day-to-day operations of our manufacturing facilities. In this collaborative position, you'll partner with operations, finance, suppliers, and plant teams to ensure the timely procurement of materials and services that keep our business running smoothly. You'll have the opportunity to build strong supplier relationships, contribute to cost-saving initiatives, and support process improvements that drive operational efficiency. If you enjoy problem-solving, working across teams, and making a tangible impact in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Lead indirect purchasing activities for facilities, maintenance, laboratory, production, and operational support functions while ensuring timely delivery of materials and services.
• Create purchase requisitions, issue purchase orders, and manage non-inventoried purchasing workflows in compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through strategic sourcing, vendor negotiations, competitive bidding, and continuous productivity improvement initiatives.
• Partner with operations, finance, and plant leadership to coordinate cost center, general ledger, and material group reviews and ensure purchasing accuracy.
• Resolve goods receipt and invoice discrepancies, manage blocked invoices, and support clearing Goods Receipt/Invoice Receipt accounts.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships through vendor onboarding, quotation management, local supplier support, and ongoing vendor performance monitoring.
• Support capital projects, maintenance activities, special events, customer visits, audits, and plant operational requirements.
• Provide cross-functional support in areas such as logistics, shipping and receiving, labeling, front desk coverage, and supply chain operations as needed.
• Review service purchase orders for local and corporate compliance and approve or reject requests accordingly.

Requirements

• High school diploma
• Knowledge and practical experience in indirect procurement, sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain operations.
• Proven experience with ERP systems; SAP S/4HANA preferred.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail capabilities.
• Professional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external suppliers.
• Self-motivated work ethic with the ability to work independently and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, Procurement, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, maintenance, laboratory, or industrial operations.
• Experience with vendor management, invoice resolution, and financial close support activities.

Your Work Environment

At Lubrizol, we’re committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where you can do your best work—whether in a lab, on the production floor, or in a hybrid office setting. Depending on your role, your work environment may include:

• Standing, walking, or operating equipment for extended periods
• Working in a lab or manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE provided
• Use of computers and digital tools in an office or hybrid environment
• Occasional lifting or movement of materials
• Adherence to rigorous safety protocols and ergonomic standards

We continuously invest in our facilities and technologies to ensure they support your well-being, productivity, and growth. If you require reasonable accommodation, we are committed to working with you to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.

Schedule

Monday - Friday; 1st Shift

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus plans
• 401(k) match + Age-Weighted Defined Contribution
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave
• Flexible work environment
• Learning and development opportunities
• Career and professional growth
• Inclusive culture and vibrant community engagement