Procurement Specialist

About the role

Umicore is a global advanced materials and recycling group developing, producing, and recycling materials for a better life. The Electro Optic Materials business unit is a world leader in material solutions for the space, optics, and electronics sectors, enabling cutting-edge technologies with secure supply and recycling capabilities.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Procurement Specialist to support manufacturing and site operations by sourcing materials and services, managing inventory, coordinating with suppliers, and supporting capital projects. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the right materials are available at the right time while maintaining compliance, controlling costs, and supporting operational reliability.

Responsibilities

Purchasing & Procurement

• Process purchase requisitions and purchase orders for maintenance supplies, spare parts, operating materials, and services.
• Source materials and services by obtaining quotes, evaluating options, and coordinating with suppliers.
• Confirm pricing, delivery schedules, and order requirements while ensuring timely fulfillment.
• Resolve purchasing issues and communicate effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Capital Project Support

• Support capital projects through procurement coordination and purchasing activities.
• Track purchase commitments and spending against approved project budgets.
• Maintain project documentation and assist with procurement-related issue resolution.
• Partner with engineering, finance, project teams, and suppliers to ensure project success.

Inventory & Materials Management

• Monitor inventory levels for critical spare parts and site consumables.
• Receive, organize, store, and issue materials to support production and maintenance operations.
• Conduct cycle counts and inventory audits to ensure accuracy.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, shortages, and excess stock.

Systems & Compliance

• Utilize SAP, Ariba, CMMS, ERP, and related systems to manage purchasing and inventory transactions.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, audit requirements, and applicable import/export regulations.
• Follow all site safety, quality, environmental, and compliance standards.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes and inventory management practices.
• Monitor supplier performance and address service, quality, or delivery concerns.
• Support initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance reliability.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two or more years of experience in procurement, purchasing, inventory control, logistics, maintenance support, or a related field.
• Experience using Microsoft 365 and purchasing, ERP, or inventory management systems.
• Strong organizational, planning, and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to identify issues and implement solutions.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and compliance standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Logistics, or a related field.
• Experience using SAP, Ariba, CMMS, or similar purchasing systems.
• Experience supporting procurement activities for capital projects.
• Knowledge of maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) materials and industrial spare parts.
• Experience with international purchasing, import documentation, logistics, or customs requirements.
• Experience supporting inventory audits, supplier performance programs, or continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Accountabilities

• Executes assigned tasks in General Administration following standard operating procedures and safety/quality requirements.
• Maintains accuracy and completeness of records, documentation, and transactions in line with controls.
• Identifies issues or deviations and escalates promptly, suggesting improvements to work instructions.
• Supports colleagues and responds to stakeholder requests in a timely, professional manner.
• Maintains accurate documentation and records in line with policies and procedures.
• Escalates issues, risks, and deviations promptly to supervisor and follows through on corrective actions.