Procurement Specialist

The primary role of the Procurement Specialist is to take ownership of assigned procurement categories and effectively execute all aspects of the purchasing process to support continuous manufacturing operations. This position is responsible for ensuring the timely availability and delivery of assigned goods and services while meeting departmental KPIs, maintaining targeted inventory levels, and proactively identifying and resolving supply risks. The Procurement Specialist supports supplier selection and qualification activities, develops and executes supply chain risk mitigation plans, and identifies and implements cost savings opportunities through regular supplier engagement and negotiation of favorable pricing, payment, and delivery terms. Additionally, the Procurement Specialist is responsible for creating, maintaining, and ensuring the accuracy of procurement-related master data and planning parameters, including supplier business partner records, purchasing information records, material master purchasing data, source lists, and inventory planning settings necessary to support efficient procurement and planning processes. In addition to managing assigned areas of responsibility, the Procurement Specialist contributes to the overall success of the Procurement and Supply Chain organization by collaborating across functions, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and acting on the strategic direction and priorities established by the Procurement Manager and Supply Chain Manager.

Position Summary

The primary role of the Procurement Specialist is to take ownership of assigned procurement categories and effectively execute all aspects of the purchasing process to support continuous manufacturing operations. This position is responsible for ensuring the timely availability and delivery of assigned goods and services while meeting departmental KPIs, maintaining targeted inventory levels, and proactively identifying and resolving supply risks. The Procurement Specialist supports supplier selection and qualification activities, develops and executes supply chain risk mitigation plans, and identifies and implements cost savings opportunities through regular supplier engagement and negotiation of favorable pricing, payment, and delivery terms. Additionally, the Procurement Specialist is responsible for creating, maintaining, and ensuring the accuracy of procurement-related master data and planning parameters, including supplier business partner records, purchasing information records, material master purchasing data, source lists, and inventory planning settings necessary to support efficient procurement and planning processes. In addition to managing assigned areas of responsibility, the Procurement Specialist contributes to the overall success of the Procurement and Supply Chain organization by collaborating across functions, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and acting on the strategic direction and priorities established by the Procurement Manager and Supply Chain Manager.

Essential Job Functions

·         Align with and embrace Smooth-On’s 4 Pillars: Civility, Accuracy, Safety and Productivity.

·         Continually practice safety procedures and policies to protect yourself, others and Company owned property.

·         Practice civility in all aspects of your job by actively listening, hearing and working together with co-workers, vendors and managers and by resolving issues respectfully and professionally in a civil manner.

·         Comply with Company rules, policies and procedures.

·         Own and manage assigned procurement categories to ensure uninterrupted supply of materials, services, and other purchased goods required to support continuous manufacturing operations and business objectives.

·         Identify, evaluate, qualify, and develop suppliers in collaboration with internal stakeholders, while maintaining productive supplier relationships through regular communication, performance reviews, on-site visits, and business meetings.

·         Execute all aspects of the purchasing process for assigned goods and services, including purchase requisition review, purchase order creation, supplier confirmation, order follow-up, expediting, inbound freight coordination, and issue resolution.

·         Monitor and maintain inventory levels and supply plans for assigned categories to support predetermined inventory targets while balancing service, cost, and working capital objectives.

·         Negotiate and manage supplier agreements and commercial terms to achieve the best overall value through favorable pricing, payment, delivery, and service arrangements.

·         Proactively identify, communicate, and mitigate supply chain risks that could impact production, service, quality, or customer commitments, and support the development and execution of contingency plans.

·         Track, report, and support departmental KPIs related to supplier performance, inventory management, material availability, cost savings, and procurement effectiveness.

·         Identify, recommend, and implement continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives through supplier collaboration, process improvements, sourcing strategies, and cross-functional teamwork.

·         Provide regular updates to Procurement and Supply Chain leadership regarding supplier performance, material availability, risks, shortages, and mitigation activities.

·         Collaborate with Production, Planning, Quality, Operations, Finance, and other stakeholders to resolve supply-related issues and support overall Company objectives.

·         Partner with Planning, Manufacturing, and Master Data teams to maintain accurate purchasing and MRP master data, ensuring procurement and planning parameters appropriately reflect supplier capabilities, business requirements, and inventory strategies.

·         Support departmental and organizational initiatives by participating in cross-functional projects, acquisitions, integrations, system implementations, and other strategic business activities as directed by the Procurement Manager or Supply Chain Manager.

·         Travel as required to support supplier relationship management, supplier audits, site visits, business reviews, sourcing initiatives, and acquisition-related activities.

·         Carry out additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned by the Procurement Manager or Supply Chain Manager to support the overall success of the Procurement and Supply Chain organization.

·         Seek guidance from Manager before performing an unfamiliar task or assignment.

·         Complete job tasks efficiently, timely and accurately according to SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), job aids and based on job function.

·         Maintain work area (e.g., materials, stock areas, desks, floors, shelves, counters, etc.) in a safe, clean, organized, and efficient manner.

·         Must show up for work on time and be willing to work occasional overtime as required (with adequate notice from management).

·         Demonstrate reliable attendance, limited lateness or call outs.

·         Must have reliable transportation to and from work.

·         Willingness to learn other jobs.

·         All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·         Strong knowledge of procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, inventory planning, manufacturing operations, and supply chain principles.

·         Ability to take ownership of assigned procurement categories and independently manage priorities, risks, and supply requirements to support business objectives.

·         Ability to analyze data, identify trends, evaluate supplier performance, and make sound business decisions that promote organizational success.

·         Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure favorable pricing, payment, service, and delivery terms while maintaining positive supplier relationships.

·         Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills with the ability to proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks and disruptions.

·         Strong attention to detail, sense of urgency, and commitment to accuracy in managing purchase orders, inventory, and supplier commitments.

·         Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally and influence both internal and external stakeholders.

·         Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and competing business demands.

·         Ability to work collaboratively across Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, Planning, Quality, Finance, and other functional areas to achieve Company objectives.

·         Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, cost reduction initiatives, and achieving departmental KPI targets.

·         Ability to execute directives from Procurement and Supply Chain leadership while exercising sound judgment, initiative, and accountability within assigned areas of responsibility.

·         Strong understanding of procurement master data and ERP governance, including supplier, purchasing, material, and planning data required to support efficient purchasing, inventory management, and manufacturing operations.

·         Proven ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, contributing to the overall success and growth of the organization.

·         Consistently demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and accountability in all interactions with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders.

Experience, Education and/or other Requirements

·         BA/BS degree in a related field; and,

·         Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience; and,

·         MRP systems and purchasing experience preferred; and,

·         APICS/ASCM, ISM, CPSM, CPM, or other supply chain/procurement certifications are a plus; or,

·         Equivalent combination of education and experience.