Purchasing Specialist
About the role
Reporting directly to the Procurement Manager, the Purchasing Specialist is responsible for the operational purchase‑to‑pay process, including the timely placement of purchase orders, planning of material delivery schedules to meet production demands, and maintaining inventory levels within approved guidelines.
Responsibilities
- Manage purchase‑to‑pay process in nominated categories.
- Handle end‑to‑end sourcing, including developing RFI/RFP packages, evaluating supplier proposals, and negotiating contract terms.
- Act as a business partner to internal departments (IT, HR, Finance) to understand needs and align them with procurement strategies.
- Plan and place purchase orders and delivery schedules within frame agreements provided by Category Manager, strategic purchaser, or Regional Procurement Manager.
- Analyze supplier spend, market trends, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) to identify cost‑reduction opportunities.
- Analyze material markets and supplier stability to ensure long‑term assurance of supply.
- Control delivery and handle order confirmations.
- Communicate daily with suppliers regarding deliveries.
- Handle minor claims.
- Contribute to supplier KPI measurement (service and delivery accuracy).
- Handle invoice errors.
- Provide input for intercompany material flow management in cooperation with logistics.
- Contribute to the development of operational procurement processes and category team work.
- Escalate supply issues and risks to regional procurement and category manager.
- Deliver targeted results.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Purchasing / Supply Chain Management or related field.
- 1 – 3 years of experience in operational procurement within a global manufacturing organization.
- Ability to work independently and under pressure.
- Meticulous approach and attention to detail in routine tasks.
- Capability to make decisions with insufficient information regarding material demand.
- Capability to decide purchase order timing and delivery schedule to secure sufficient supply.
- Capability to decide purchase price within approval limits.
- Proficiency with MS‑Office and ability to learn new systems.
- Professional verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with global vendors and high‑level internal leadership.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; no relocation or visa sponsorship offered.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
The duties are performed indoors in a traditional office setting with indoor environmental conditions and noise. Activities include extended periods of sitting and extensive work at a computer. Ability to communicate orally with vendors, management, and co‑workers, both individually and in groups, is crucial. Regular use of telephone and e‑mail is essential. Occasional work in the manufacturing/warehouse area may be required. Must be able to continuously stand, hear, listen, talk, walk, bend, stoop, kneel or squat. Occasionally required to sit, use repetitive hand motion, pull, push and lift up to 20 pounds.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) eligibility after one month with 100% matching on the first 6%.
- Employee assistance program.
- Employee discount.
- Life insurance.
- Disability insurance.
- Paid time off.
- Paid parental leave.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Onsite fitness facility.
- Fitness reimbursement.
- Career advancement opportunities.
- Short‑term incentive plan.
- Profit sharing.