Procurement Specialist

Description

Smurfit Westrock is a leader in sustainable packaging, dedicated to providing efficient and scalable solutions to address complex packaging challenges. The company is guided by values of safety, loyalty, integrity, and respect, focusing on delivering value for shareholders, customers, employees, and the communities where they operate.

Requirements

• Support mill priorities for Safety, Environment, Quality, and Operational Excellence
• Procure assigned categories (chemicals, MRO, parts, services)
• Drive cost savings through sourcing, negotiations, and supplier optimization
• Execute RFPs, analyze bids, and award business based on best value
• Optimize inventory levels using VMI, consignment, and demand planning strategies
• Reduce excess and obsolete inventory while ensuring supply continuity
• Manage supplier relationships, contracts, and performance
• Resolve supplier issues and mitigate supply risks, including alternate sourcing
• Process and manage requisitions, purchase orders, and change orders
• Use data analytics to identify savings opportunities and improve procurement performance
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across cost, process, and supply chain efficiency

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Support mill priorities for Safety, Environment, Quality, and Operational Excellence
• Lead procurement for assigned categories (chemicals, MRO, parts, services)
• Drive cost savings through sourcing, negotiations, and supplier optimization
• Execute RFPs, analyze bids, and award business based on best value
• Optimize inventory levels using VMI, consignment, and demand planning strategies
• Reduce excess and obsolete inventory while ensuring supply continuity
• Manage supplier relationships, contracts, and performance
• Resolve supplier issues and mitigate supply risks, including alternate sourcing
• Process and manage requisitions, purchase orders, and change orders
• Use data analytics to identify savings opportunities and improve procurement performance
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across cost, process, and supply chain efficiency

Career Opportunity

The Procurement Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring supply continuity while balancing cost efficiency and inventory optimization. This role partners closely with mill personnel, suppliers, and corporate procurement teams to deliver both operational reliability and financial performance improvements.

What You Need To Succeed

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred; 2–5 years of procurement or supply chain experience
• Proven ability to drive cost savings and manage supplier negotiations
• Strong understanding of inventory management and supply chain principles
• Excellent analytical skills with ability to interpret data and make decisions
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Able to manage multiple priorities and execute independently
• Experience with sourcing tools (e.g., Ariba) and ERP systems
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) and data tools (Power BI); familiarity with AI tools is a plus
• Strong project management and execution capabilities

Qualifications

• Pass a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to providing equal opportunity employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.