Strategic Procurement Operations Lead

A day in the life

Start your morning reviewing open purchase orders, creating new POs, and clearing any invoice mismatches you spot. Midday, you’ll evaluate RFQs and RFPs, prepare concise summaries, and collaborate with stakeholders on award decisions. Your afternoon might be spent engaging suppliers—tracking performance, negotiating pricing, and driving targeted cost-reduction opportunities. Throughout the day, you’ll respond to questions from teammates, vendors, and other partners, and step in on related tasks as needed. Occasionally, you’ll visit vendor sites to deepen relationships and verify on-the-ground performance.

What you’ll own

• Create and manage purchase orders; monitor open POs to ensure on-time delivery and accuracy.
• Reconcile invoices and resolve discrepancies quickly and professionally.
• Lead and contribute to cost-reduction initiatives across categories.
• Assess and present RFQs/RFPs with clear recommendations.
• Track and improve supplier performance, including quality, delivery, and service.
• Address inquiries from internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Pitch in with related assignments and special projects as requested.

Your background

• 3+ years working with procurement practices, processes, and systems.
• 3+ years resolving discrepancies and negotiating pricing with vendors.
• Strong communication skills—written and verbal—with a positive, customer-focused approach.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Comfort traveling to vendor sites as needed.

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (preferred; HS/GED also considered).
• ERP experience preferred: JD Edwards (JDE) or other platforms (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft).
• Professional credentials a plus: CSCP, PMAC, APICS, or CPM (or equivalent).
• ISO 9001 exposure and inventory management/control experience are beneficial.

Tools, standards, and frameworks

• ERP Software: JD Edwards, Oracle (and familiarity with SAP/PeopleSoft helpful).
• Microsoft Excel for analysis and reporting.
• Knowledge of APICS/CPM/CSCP/PMAC frameworks.
• Understanding of purchasing fundamentals and vendor/supplier management.

Work setting

Office environment.