Procurement Specialist

Job Summary

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for optimizing the procurement process to align with organizational strategic goals, ensuring adherence to quality standards and compliance requirements. This includes overseeing vendor management strategies, leading negotiations, maintaining accurate vendor records, and managing procurement projects effectively. The Procurement Specialist will maintain knowledge of industry best practices and trends to drive innovation and efficiency within the department.

Work Performed and Job Requirements

• Implement vendor management strategies across multiple accounts, guided by the Procurement Director, to optimize cost savings and operational efficiencies through negotiation and relationship-building.
• Ensure vendors adhere to compliance standards (i.e., SOC 2) throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks that could impact the availability or cost of products or services.
• Develop and execute internal negotiation strategies aligned with organizational goals, optimizing supplier agreements, and providing training sessions to enhance procurement effectiveness.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms, pricing, and agreements, ensuring alignment with company policies and quality standards.
• Analyze costs, pricing structures, and market trends to identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
• Maintain accurate vendor-related information within Vantagepoint software to facilitate comprehensive vendor management and strategic decision-making.
• Develop and implement a vendor/supplier diversity policy, driving its execution across procurement processes and conducting training sessions to promote inclusive supplier practices.
• Oversee project management activities to ensure successful execution and achievement of project objectives.
• Conduct market research to stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in procurement to drive innovation.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education/Training

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in business management, supply chain management, logistics, engineering, or related field required. Work equivalent experience will be considered.

Experience

Minimum of 2 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, facilities, or related industry required. Experience with implementation, change management, or process improvement preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of procurement principles, practices, and procedures
• Strong knowledge of vendor management strategies and negotiation tactics
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Solid time management and organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to adapt and learn new technology
• Excellent project management skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to multitask and adhere to strict timelines
• Capable of handling confidential information in a discrete manner

Work Aids and Equipment Used

Computer, printer, copier, scanner, fax, telephone, web conferencing.

Working Conditions

Work is sedentary in nature and performed in an office environment. Work may be stressful at times. This position requires travel up to 25% to support and execute projects.

Physical/Mental Demands

Work requires hand dexterity for office machine operation; stooping, climbing, and bending to files and supplies; mobility to complete errands; stand/sit for up to eight hours each day; ability to communicate clearly when using the telephone; requires sitting; standing, walking, reaching, bending, lifting, and twisting at times; moderate levels of stress.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)