Senior Procurement Specialist
Job Title: Senior Procurement Specialist
Location: Plymouth, MN – Onsite – Local candidates only
Period: 08/12/2024 to 06/27/2025 – Potential for extension
Hours/Week: 40 hours – Hours over 40 will be paid at time and a half
Rate: $45 – $50/hour
Contract Type: W2 only
Scope of Services:
The Senior Procurement Specialist is a key player in executing purchasing and supply management strategies, directly supporting Category Managers and collaborating with customers and divisions to drive the Company model. This role demands superior levels of customer service, adherence to business ethics, and the integrity to commit company funds. The Senior Procurement Specialist is tasked with addressing and resolving issues related to value, quality, feasibility, and specifications in procuring goods and services. This position is also responsible for generating cost savings, fostering supplier partnerships, and enhancing customer satisfaction through innovative procurement processes, cycle time improvements, and superior service levels. Recognized as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), this role involves leading projects and initiatives that impact the "One Procurement" team and driving the adoption of category strategies.
Role, Responsibilities, and Deliverables:
- Procurement Execution: Support Purchase Order (PO) conversion and manage non-transactional and decisive negotiations. Handle PO approvals up to $1,000,000 and facilitate PO change management by evaluating causes for change.
- Customer Service: Educate internal stakeholders on existing solutions and enable the development of performance and technology tools. Ensure superior customer satisfaction by meeting regularly with divisional customers and lead functions to drive continuous improvement and efficiency.
- Problem Resolution: Proactively solve complex procurement problems, support operational issues, and resolve invoice errors.
- Supplier Management: Enable supplier integration, develop key performance indicators (KPIs), and drive value and savings outcomes. Seek, develop, and establish business relationships with diverse suppliers.
- Strategic Projects: Lead complex Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and small projects, develop bids and proposal formats, and collaborate with various functions to support procurement strategies.
- Process Improvement: Proactively seek innovative ways to improve procurement processes, cycle times, and service levels. Lead initiatives that enhance the procurement framework and deliver significant value to the organization.
- Documentation and Communication: Communicate and educate appropriate departments on providing necessary supporting documentation for purchases. Provide expert advice and direction in primary areas of expertise.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Science, Business, Financial, or equivalent experience. CPM certification preferred.
- 4-6 years of procurement experience with a strong background in category management and project management. Proven track record in finance, including financial benchmarking, spend management, savings tracking, and cost breakdowns.
- Proficient in the use of spreadsheet programs, particularly Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Analytical expertise in GAP analytics, regression analytics, outlier analytics, scenario planning, and forward modeling.
- Extensive experience in supplier selection, relationship management, capability matrixes, and contracting.
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), problem-solving abilities, and people skills. Ability to work collaboratively and lead cross-functional teams.
- Project management skills.
- Excellent people skills
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Proficient in the use of spreadsheet programs.
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
- Professional experience including Procurement, Category Management, or Project Management
- Finance experience including Financial Benchmarking, Spend Management, Savings Tracking, or Cost Breakdowns
- Analytical experience including GAP Analytics, Regression Analytics, Outlier Analytics, Scenario Planning, or Forward Modeling
- Supplier Experience including Supplier Selection, Supplier Relationship Management, Capability Matrixes, or Contracting
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint preferred.