Procurement Specialist

The Procurement Specialist will be responsible for performing the strategic sourcing/purchasing functions as part of a Supply Chain Team and is accountable for the supply management (domestic trade fulfillment and international replenishment) or product hierarchies and for raw material inventory levels for assigned commodities or product lines.

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist job is to anticipate and maintain stock levels ensuring the levels can accommodate the sales orders to be produce, anticipate market changes, manage purchase orders, communicate delivery schedules, expedite material, processes return and resolve payment issues. They will also be responsible for ensuring inventory levels are financially feasible and will communicate supplier performance problems (sourcing, delivery, and quality) to the Plant Manager.

The Procurement Specialist will work within various departments of an organization to perform revenue forecasting, inventory level alignment based on seasonal demands, material planning, and procurement forecasting. They also use an operational supply chain management (SCM) process to develop reliable forecasts.

Essential Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

• Work with sales, operations, and engineering to anticipate unusual production requirements and necessary inventory levels to meet those needs and will expedite material as required.
• Meet or exceed annual budgeted targets for raw, WIP, finished goods and inventory turns.
• Stay abreast of market conditions affecting raw material availability and/or price; seek and recommend effective sourcing.
• Analyzing and anticipating market trends for the best time to purchase inventory.
• Ability to identify and anticipate stock prices based on market trends.
• Review and update current product availability information on a daily basis (Backorder Reason Code, expected partial/full release availability) and initiate Product Bulletins as required.
• Work with Praesidiad group to stay abreast of current worldwide market conditions and maximize intra-company material purchases exclusively where possible. Work with production and A/P to resolve invoice discrepancies.
• Act independently and routinely perform moderately complex planning and problem solving.
• Periodically review and disposition Excess & Obsolete, Unscheduled, Expired inventories.
• Will support efforts to ensure data integrity of Book-to- Physical Inventory, BOM's and Routings.
• Purchase raw material, packaging supplies, subcontracting services, shop supplies and other necessary items for the manufacturing facility.
• Secure and analyze quotations, negotiate prices and terms with suppliers, and recommends nonproductive suppliers with respect to cost, quality, and delivery competitiveness.
• Create subcontracting/outsourcing deliveries for outbound products. Interacts with the internal team to ensure timely and quality delivery of finished product
• Evaluate the supplier’s performance as related to quality, lead time, and on-time delivery, working directly with the Quality Manager.
• Ensure compliance and dissemination of supplier performance data within the group, and internally, as well as suppliers.
• Work with SCM to establish review/update and maintain min/max levels of raw and finished goods inventory levels.
• Develop and maintain a communication system to share raw material pricing updates with the Estimating team.
• Identify opportunities for inventory reduction and actively support implementation as directed.
• Anticipating stock demands based on current and future business functions.
• Ensuring the business has a steady flow of stock without overcapitalizing on materials.
• Knowledge of logistics and inventory management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Address demand-related issues in a timely and effective manner.
• All other duties and projects as assigned

Key performance parameters

• Deadline for PO creation (Daily, Weekly, SLA)
• Cost control per Project vs Budget – within budgeted hours and/or SLA
• Internal Customer/Vendor feedback & review
• Reduction of Budget versus Actual costs

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills (verbally and written)
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office – particularly Microsoft Excel
• Knowledge and understanding of supply chain concepts and application
• MRP/ERP system proficiency
• Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills
• Ability to create and follow a schedule
• Budget management abilities
• Self-starter with ability to work independently under pressure and react quickly to changing priorities
• A demonstrated background of strong work habits, clear organizational and communication skills, and the ability to be a productive team member of a growing company

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Mechanical Aptitude, particularly with understanding of measurements in both US and Metric
• Ability to obtain US Government Security Clearance if needed
• Knowledge of the industry and its functions

Education/Experience:

• 3 or more years of experience working in purchasing
• Some college-level education
• One, or more, of the following certifications are preferred: CPM, CPSM, CPP, CPPM, CSCP preferred

Traits/Competencies required

• Proactive, ambitious. Wants to evolve into a highly recognized individual who works on the very best projects
• Task and goal oriented. Defines and agrees tasks and goals (what is going to be done by when) with direct line supervisor/manager
• Personally accountable. Understands the difference between accountability and responsibility, is in charge of tasks and goals and will get them done as agreed despite situations which might cause delays
• Ability to meet short deadlines, and willingness to work additional hours during deadline periods
• Team player. Sees him/herself as an important component of a high-performance team which delivers projects that keep people and assets safe, and draws motivation from being part of the solution
• Self-Directed/Disciplined – good self-management skills
• Fast paced and decisive