Specialist, Procurement

About the Role

The Procurement Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring supply continuity while balancing cost efficiency and inventory optimization. This role partners closely with mill personnel, suppliers, and corporate procurement teams to deliver both operational reliability and financial performance improvements. You will leverage technology and data analytics to manage procurement activities, develop sourcing strategies, execute RFPs in Ariba, negotiate supplier agreements, and convert requisitions into purchase orders efficiently and effectively. Your work will directly contribute to operational excellence, cost competitiveness, and supply continuity.

Responsibilities

• Support mill priorities for Safety, Environment, Quality, and Operational Excellence.
• Lead procurement for assigned categories (chemicals, MRO, parts, services, vendor managed inventory).
• Manage supplier relationships, contracts, and performance.
• Drive cost savings through sourcing, negotiations, and supplier optimization.
• Execute RFPs, analyze bids, and award business based on best value.
• Resolve supplier issues and mitigate supply risks, including alternate sourcing.
• Process and manage requisitions, purchase orders, and change orders.
• Contract implementation, including developing and leading negotiations of complex agreements in partnership with legal, compliance, risk, supply chain, and other stakeholders.
• Work with primary and alternate suppliers to ensure delivery, expedite, and solve supply chain challenges.
• Lead Request for Proposals (RFP) and review competitive proposals from suppliers for award decisions.
• Read, analyze, and uphold supplier contracts – including payment terms, warranty, freight terms, and other terms as needed.
• Manage MRO vendors to include Vendor Managed Inventory, Consignment Programs, and onsite vending services.
• Serve as point of contact for escalation and primary negotiator to resolve mill issues with service providers.
• Lead continuous improvement to drive meaningful changes in process, supplier, or material to deliver value beyond price.
• Process purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and change orders to secure products and/or services as required; evaluate and implement orders where needed.
• Compile data for mill and corporate reports as requested.

Requirements

• 2–5 years of procurement or supply chain experience or bachelor’s degree preferred, not required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and execute independently.
• Must be able to manage a project timeline and drive execution for projects involving multiple contributors.
• Strong negotiation skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Proficiency in JD Edwards preferred.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.