Procurement Specialist, Direct Materials

Job Title: Procurement Specialist, Direct Materials

Location: Piscataway, NJ or Redmond, WA

Employment Status: Full Time

Reports to: Senior Procurement Manager

Role Description

This role will support the end-to-end sourcing and procurement of direct materials and consumables to support production. Key duties include ensuring daily operations meet SLA (service level agreement)/ KPI (Key Performance Indicators) targets, overseeing material planning for critical items, and driving strategic sourcing initiatives. The candidate will manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and identify cost-saving opportunities through category management and market analysis. Close collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to ensure supply continuity, compliance with quality and regulatory standards, and readiness for audit requirements.

The estimated salary range is $55,000 - $65,000, based on experience. 

Job Responsibilities: 

• Oversee material planning for Green Channel item replenishment to meet inventory KPIs while ensuring continuity of supply.
• Lead strategic sourcing and manage the procurement process for direct materials and consumables used in production, ensuring alignment with cost objectives, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop alternative vendors for critical materials and components to ensure supply continuity and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Conduct category management to identify cost-saving opportunities through vendor consolidation and the use of alternative materials or components.
• Leverage negotiation, analytical, and market research skills to drive value through cost reduction initiatives. Track and report KPIs related to cost savings, cost avoidance, on-time delivery (OTD), and efficiency improvements.
• Execute vendor management by building supplier profiles, conducting regular business reviews, and securing both short- and long-term pricing contracts and Master Supply Agreements (MSAs).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for negotiating and executing contracts and agreements in coordination with the legal team.
• Collaborate closely with production team to provide effective procurement support by understanding production processes, tracking changes in material consumption, and proactively addressing critical issues with urgency.
• Maintain active communication with suppliers of critical materials to stay updated on market conditions, ensure timely deliveries, and identify potential risks and opportunities.
• Work cross-functionally with quality, finance, and other departments to ensure procurement processes remain compliant with company policies and regulatory standards.
• Respond to internal and external audit challenges by providing complete and accurate procurement documentation and justifications.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
• Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in procurement, with a focus on direct materials
• Strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills
• Project management skills, with experience in procurement for lab projects preferred; this experience will be considered a significant advantage
• Proven capability to navigate a dynamic, fast-paced environment while adapting to shifting priorities and identifying opportunities

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