Procurement Specialist

RINA is currently recruiting for a Procurement Specialist to join its office in Chicago, IL within the International Procurement Division. Compensation: $50,000 – $60,000 commensurate with education and experience.

About the role

RINA is seeking to hire a Procurement Specialist to execute the sourcing and supply chain activities of its North America business. The Specialist manages the scouting of vendors, products and services, negotiating contracts and acquiring the most cost-efficient deals without compromising regulations, quality and ESG principles, as directed by the Regional Procurement Manager.

Responsibilities

• Supports Global Scouting & Vendor Management Department in supplier scouting and segmentation, implementing and maintaining a Vendor List of suitable suppliers; and contributing to the performance management process on selected vendors.
• Maintains operational relationships with suppliers.
• Collaborates with the business to ensure clarity of technical specifications.
• Implements Supply Chain strategies (tenders, grouping needs, etc.).
• Issues Requests for Quotation (RFQ) and manages the receipt, evaluation, and comparison of bids.
• Defines target prices and commercial conditions (“Target Setting”) and communicates these to shortlisted vendors for Best and Final Offer (BAFO).
• Negotiates and finalizes contracts and framework agreements to ensure favourable terms and conditions.
• Conducts final bid comparison, including evaluation of commercial conditions and vendor performance.
• Directly executes the procurement process on the ERP System and related.
• Negotiates the best payment terms applicable (maturity, break down).
• Manages the request and evaluation of bonds and guarantees to be provided by suppliers and/or subcontractors.
• Ensures compliance with the organization’s sustainability goals and industry standards.
• Provides information to give insights into procurement performance and procurement recommendations including best price achieved, commercial conditions, and any other relevant information.
• Constantly aligns with Directors and Heads/Managers; arranges the necessary periodic reporting to Heads/Managers.
• Applies Corporate procedures aimed to guarantee common processes across the RINA Group companies and countries, improving the internal standardization, communication, management and company integrations.
• Highlights and shares information that can mitigate potential risks associated with contracts and suppliers, such as financial instability, non-performance, capabilities, non-compliance, or ethical concerns.
• Ensures that contracts comply with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards; supports audits as needed to verify supplier compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Subjects (e.g., Engineering) or Accounting/Finance.
• Experience in procurement/supply chain, with relevant focus on negotiation activities on a large scale.
• Experience in collecting and analyzing data.
• Good understanding of accounting and financial reporting principles and practices.
• Knowledge of North America market and vendor base.
• Analytical mind with strong conceptual and problem-solving skills.
• Critical thinker with a high proficiency in math and logic.
• Proactivity and determination in reaching challenging targets; able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail with advanced organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an international team.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Advanced competency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel, Word and PowerPoint) and accounting software; good knowledge of supplier or third-party management software.
• Industry experience preferred.
• 10% travel may be required based upon business need; valid driver’s license.

Competencies

• WORKPLACE DYNAMICS – Resourcefulness in shaping progress and working efficiently.
• PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT – Ownership for life, work and results, striving to grow professionally and personally.
• INTERPERSONAL INFLUENCE – Skills and strategies we use to interact effectively with others.
• DOMAIN & BUSINESS ACUMEN – Applying a scientific approach and critical thinking in operations and solution development within area of expertise.
• FORESIGHT & INSIGHT – Context awareness adopting a systemic perspective and informed decision making.