Purchasing Specialist, Direct Materials (Lab consumables/ Raw Materials)

Job Title: Purchasing 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 and KPI 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 - $70,000, 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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