Jr. Sourcing & Procurement Specialist - TEMP-TO-HIRE

Waev Inc. is an electric mobility OEM founded in 2021 to manufacture, distribute, market, and support the GEM, Taylor-Dunn and Tiger brands. GEM was the first commercially-produced, street-legal low-speed vehicle in the United States. GEMs shuttle people and goods across city centers, residential communities, government campuses, colleges and universities, and other micro-environments. Founded in 1949, Taylor-Dunn burden carriers, personnel carriers, and stockchasers have been trusted solutions in a broad range of commercial environments and provide premium reliability, safety features, and all-electric efficiency for industrial grade applications. Tiger heavy-duty tow tractors have been towing cargo, baggage, parcel, and other equipment in ground support applications since 1981. Waev's headquarters and factory are located in Anaheim, California.

JOB SUMMARY

The Junior Sourcing & Procurement Specialist is responsible for supporting supplier sourcing activities, managing purchase orders, and ensuring timely delivery of components and materials to support Waev's manufacturing operations. This role is primarily focused on identifying and qualifying suppliers, supporting RFQ/RFP processes, and contributing to cost competitiveness-while also handling day-to-day procurement execution including PO management and supplier coordination. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and eager to develop their sourcing skill set in a fast-paced OEM environment.

Please note: This is a temp-to-hire role (90days).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES:

Sourcing & Procurement:

• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders for production components, materials, and indirect goods in the ERP system
• Monitor open orders, track deliveries, and expedite as needed to meet production schedules
• Confirm lead times, pricing, and delivery commitments with suppliers; escalate discrepancies promptly
• Resolve invoice discrepancies and support accounts payable as needed
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, item costs, and vendor data in the ERP system
• Assist in preparing and issuing RFQs/RFPs; compile and summarize supplier quotes for review
• Support identification and initial evaluation of alternate suppliers under direction of senior team members
• Assist with supplier onboarding documentation and qualification activities
• Gather market pricing data to support cost benchmarking and savings initiatives
• Serve as a day-to-day point of contact for supplier communication on open orders and delivery issues
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, and Quality to support component releases, ECOs, and supply-related issues
• Communicate supply risks or shortages to internal stakeholders proactively
• Support value engineering and cost-down efforts by coordinating supplier input and data collection

Cost Savings & Strategic Sourcing:

• Identify, evaluate, and execute cost reduction opportunities across components, materials, and services
• Source and qualify alternate suppliers to improve cost competitiveness and reduce supply risk
• Track, measure, and report cost savings initiatives and sourcing outcomes
• Support supplier consolidation initiatives to leverage volume and improve pricing

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner closely with Engineering on new product introductions, design changes, and cost-down initiatives
• Coordinate supplier involvement during component releases and design updates
• Support value engineering and cost-down workshops with suppliers and internal teams
• Collaborate with Operations and Quality to resolve supplier-related issues and ensure alignment with Waev requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 0-2 years of experience in purchasing, buying, or procurement; internship or co-op experience in a manufacturing or supply chain environment a plus

• Exposure to sourcing, RFQ processes, or supplier coordination preferred; manufacturing or OEM environment a plus

• Demonstrated experience identifying and delivering cost savings through supplier negotiations, sourcing initiatives, or cost-reduction projects

KNOWLEGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple open orders simultaneously
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through on open actions and supplier commitments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with ERP/MRP systems a plus
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to read basic engineering drawings or BOMs preferred
• Cost-aware mindset; understands that price, lead time, and quality all factor into the buying decision
• Comfortable working on-site and collaborating directly with engineers, operations staff, and suppliers

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Location: On-site in Anaheim, CA
• Environment: Fast-paced office/manufacturing/warehouse environment

EEO Statement

Waev Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.