Procurement Specialist

Job ID: AFHR / AFHRI – Temporary, 3–5 months – Hybrid in Cambridge

About the role

This is a temporary position supporting the Procurement Department. You will provide administrative and operational support, drawing on prior procurement and ERP system experience to work independently with minimal supervision. The role requires sound judgment, the ability to plan and prioritize, and an immediate contribution after a brief onboarding period. Comfort working independently in a fast-paced environment is essential.

Responsibilities

• Process laboratory supply and general supply orders with Whitehead Institute suppliers using Workday.
• Update and maintain accurate information in Workday and/or Jaggaer financial/procurement systems.
• Notify requesters of backorders and unavailable items, and identify alternate sources whenever possible.
• Expedite late deliveries and proactively update requesters on shipping timelines and order status.
• Serve as a responsive, customer-service-oriented point of contact for researchers and staff, ensuring a positive experience when navigating procurement processes.
• Provide administrative and operational support to Procurement Services staff and the Procurement Director as needed.
• Learn new systems, tools, and processes quickly, given the temporary nature of the assignment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of relevant procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience (hospital, educational, or science setting preferred).
• 3–5 years of hands-on ERP experience, with Workday, Jaggaer, or a similar eProcurement system strongly preferred; comfort learning and adapting to new systems is essential.
• Experience expediting late orders and resolving order discrepancies.
• Strong customer-service orientation and ability to build positive working relationships across all levels of an organization.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, relying on sound judgment and experience to plan and accomplish goals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels within the Institute.
• Excellent computer skills, including Gmail and Excel; familiarity with ERP/eProcurement systems (Workday, Jaggaer, or similar) a strong plus.
• Adaptable, proactive, and eager to learn in a dynamic, fast-paced lab-supply environment; comfortable ramping up quickly in a temporary assignment.

Qualifications

• BS/BA preferred.

Pay

$38–42 per hour

Schedule

Hybrid in Cambridge, 3–5 months