Purchasing Specialist

About the Role

We are seeking a Purchasing Specialist to deliver procurement services across multiple KARL STORZ locations. In this role, you will support colleagues throughout the purchasing lifecycle — from requisition to payment — while managing supplier relationships, vendor master data, and continuous improvement initiatives that drive year-over-year savings and ensure continuity of supply.

What You'll Do

• Process purchase requisitions from across the organization, converting them to purchase orders and communicating with suppliers and stakeholders.
• Track vendor acknowledgments and maintain up-to-date purchase order information including pricing and delivery.
• Maintain inventory levels and initiate replenishment orders for assigned products and material groups.
• Follow up with suppliers to ensure service levels are met; collaborate with Accounts Payable, Receiving, and suppliers to resolve invoice discrepancies.
• Support sourcing initiatives for new suppliers, products, and services; partner with internal business users to establish specifications and identify best-value suppliers.
• Contribute to cost-saving projects through analysis of product specifications, volume activity, service requirements, delivery, and payment terms.
• Manage vendor master data in SAP, including enrolling new suppliers into the Approved Supplier List (ASL) via DocuSign and performing periodic reviews of inactive vendors.
• Maintain supplier certificates and surveys, ensuring all required documentation and agreements are current.
• Train business users on procurement processes including requisition creation, new product development, and supplier enrollment.
• Write and update procedures, work instructions, and work aids as requirements evolve.
• Support compliance with the KARL STORZ Quality Program, CFR 820.50, and ISO 13485 standards.
• Provide coverage for Buyer Planner during extended absences; travel to KARL STORZ and vendor sites as needed.

What You Bring

• 3–5 years of experience in purchasing or a related role involving indirect or direct materials/services.
• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A self-motivated individual with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established timeframes.
• Working knowledge of SAP preferred.

What Will Make You Successful

• 5–10 years of relevant purchasing or supply chain experience.
• A college degree or equivalent work experience.
• Experience with Tableau or other supply chain/analytics platforms.
• Familiarity with ISO 13485 standards and the medical device industry.
• A collaborative, solution-oriented mindset with a helpful and instructive approach to working with others.

Why KARL STORZ?

Play a key role in maintaining supply continuity and driving procurement efficiency across a global MedTech organization. Collaborate with diverse teams spanning Quality, Operations, Legal, Regulatory, and beyond, and build deep expertise in purchasing systems and compliance within a highly regulated, mission-driven industry.