Procurement Specialist

Richards Industrials • Cincinnati, OH • Full Time

Posted on Thu, Apr 30, 2026

Description

Procurement Specialist – Richards Industrials

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Reports to: Supply Chain Manager

Company Profile

Richards Industrials, founded in 1961, is a manufacturer of pressure regulators, control valves, and other fluid control products, known by our customers for high quality products, great customer service, and fast & reliable deliveries. Our products are marketed under a series of distinct brands, each of which is used in unique applications that require precise technical attributes. The company serves a range of end markets, including pharmaceutical, food & beverage, chemical, petrochemical, and various industrial segments.

The company has two locations, Cincinnati OH and Fletcher NC, and a global headcount of 190. Equipped with an experienced, passionate team, Richards focuses on driving profitable growth through operational excellence, opening new channels to market, and investing in new products.

Richards has four Core Values:

Empowerment – Employees are our most valuable asset
Collaboration – Together we achieve more
Pioneering Spirit – Curiosity and innovation are our driving forces
Service Mindset – Never stop advocating for the Customer

And our purpose is to solve tomorrow’s demanding fluid control problems, today.

The Position:

Richards offers an exciting career opportunity for a motivated results-driven, proven Procurement Specialist, who reports directly to the Supply Chain Manager. The role involves managing a series of commodities and/or services, focusing on creating and delivering optimal business value. He or she will ensure timely and cost-effective fulfillment of requirements, maintain stocking levels within established guidelines, and ensure that items meet Richards' quality and delivery standards. Additionally, the Procurement Specialist will manage vendor relationships and oversee measurements, requiring a strong background in computer-based scheduling techniques, including MRP. Collaborating closely with Planning and Operations, the Procurement Specialist plays a key role in meeting customer needs and maintaining proper inventory levels. Coordination is primarily with Planning and Stockroom, and there are also interfaces with Operations, Product Management, Sales, Engineering, and Quality.

Principle Responsibilities:

Purchasing

Ensure the company has sufficient raw materials for production as efficiently as possible (ex. Motors, Springs, Gauges, etc.).
Analyze procurement data, including cost analysis, market trends, and supply chain logistics, to make informed purchasing decisions.
Ensure proper inventory levels of assigned commodities to meet published delivery requirements.
- Utilization of Materials Requirements Planning systems to offer 90+% customer service levels.
- Continuously maintain/review AS400 database to make sure proper inventory levels can be met.

Maintain and develop stock programs as defined by Sales and Materials departments.
Assure that orders are entered into and updated within the computer system in an accurate and timely manner, and that all order information is complete, and that Richards Industries' requirements are clearly defined.
Analyze/adjust inventory levels to coincide with lead time changes.
Maintain up-to-date records on vendor terms, pricing, special requirements or agreements.
Assure that orders are closed out in a timely manner.
Review invoices for purchased commodities as required by Accounts Payable. Assure that documentation is correct. Resolve discrepancy problems with Accounts Payable.

Supplier Management

Assure that problems relating to delivery, quality or pricing are promptly conveyed to the vendor and resolved in a timely manner per standard procedures.
Administer supplier scorecards, addressing areas of concern with action plans.
Assure that orders are processed to relevant parties and properly filed in a timely and accurate manner.
Maintain up-to-date records on vendor terms, pricing, special requirements or agreements. Manage supplier quality by conducting supplier visits. Up to 10% domestic travel.

Negotiation

Through competitive bidding and benchmarking, work closely with suppliers to negotiate contracts and secure favorable terms, ensuring quality and timely delivery of goods.

Continuous Improvement

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, engineering, and quality assurance, to understand material requirements and specifications.
Conduct regular market research to stay updated on industry trends and potential new suppliers or products. Always ensure first that the parts will meet quality requirements and then working to minimize price and delivery times.
Develop and implement procurement strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize inventory levels.
- Improve overall quality of vendors.
- Clearly define requirements with Engineering and vendors.
- Negotiate more favorable terms with existing vendors.
Prepare and present reports and analysis to management, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field or equivalent professional experience.
5+ years previous experience in a Procurement role (in a valve manufacturing company preferred).
APICS CPIM Certification strongly preferred.
Excellent negotiation skills and communication skills with a proven track record of developing effective supplier relationships.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable strategies.
Ability to be versatile and adapt to a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency of MRP, PC, database programs and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Personal Characteristics:

Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills.
Motivated, proactive, and inquisitive
Quantitative, with outstanding communication and presentation skills
Adaptable to changing vendor management styles depending upon vendor personalities.
Strong commitment to meeting customer needs and exceptional service.
Proactive problem-solving approach to address customer challenges and technical inquiries
Strong entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
High level of self-confidence, flexibility, integrity, and intellectual honesty.
Able to thrive in a dynamic work environment.

Richards Industrials firmly supports the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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