Purchasing Specialist

About the role

Carex is partnering with a Utility industry partner to hire a Purchasing Specialist. This role works closely with Supply Chain and Contracts teams to execute purchasing activities, process requisitions into purchase orders, and ensure efficient procurement operations. The Purchasing Specialist plays a key role in maintaining accurate purchasing records, supporting supplier relationships, identifying process improvements, and leveraging technology and automation to enhance purchasing efficiency.

What You'll Do

• Process purchase requisitions from business units and convert them into accurate purchase orders
• Manage the full lifecycle of purchase orders, including creation, updates, tracking, and close-out
• Utilize ERP systems and other supply chain platforms to maintain accurate purchasing data and ensure timely order processing
• Monitor open purchase orders and maintain an organized tracking system to ensure timely follow-up and resolution
• Prepare reports for leadership on purchase order status, vendor spend, and other procurement metrics
• Identify opportunities to automate replenishment processes for frequently purchased items
• Manage punch-out and catalog purchasing programs while recommending improvements to increase efficiency
• Support best practices in procurement, including supplier relationship management, investment recovery, electronic data interchange (EDI), supplier-assisted inventory management, online requisitioning, and e-commerce initiatives
• Promote compliance with sourcing policies, procurement procedures, and organizational purchasing guidelines
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify and prioritize system enhancements that improve procurement performance and operational efficiency
• Perform additional purchasing-related responsibilities under the guidance of Supply Chain leadership

Requirements

• W2 only, no C2C
• Must be authorized to work in the US (both now and in the future)
• Hybrid in Madison, Wisconsin
• Contract through the end of 2026

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Purchasing, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of four years of purchasing or supply chain experience
• Professional certification such as CPM, CPIM, or CPSM preferred
• Strong understanding of procurement processes and purchasing best practices
• Experience working within ERP systems (version 9.2 preferred) and eProcurement platforms
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Experience identifying process improvement and automation opportunities within purchasing operations
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build productive relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers
• Comfortable working with evolving technology and digital tools to improve daily workflows
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and diverse work environment

Pay

$27-31/hr