Procurement Specialist [Evendale, OH] - PS 0910 MPK#01

Job Title: Procurement Specialist
Location: Evendale, OH 45215
Job Type: Contract
Experience: 5+ Years
Industry: Manufacturing / Supply Chain

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Procurement Specialist with strong sourcing, negotiation, and purchasing expertise to support manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will be responsible for sourcing and procuring materials, components, and services while ensuring timely availability, competitive costs, quality standards, and strong supplier relationships.

The Procurement Specialist will work closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, Planning, and Logistics teams to support production requirements, new product development, supplier performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard suppliers for mechanical, electrical, electronic, and structural components.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to meet cost, quality, delivery, and production requirements.
• Conduct RFQs, RFPs, competitive bidding, and supplier negotiations to achieve best-cost sourcing.
• Negotiate pricing, contract terms, payment terms, and long-term supplier agreements while ensuring compliance with company policies.
• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs such as delivery, quality, cost, responsiveness, and overall service levels.
• Manage purchase requisitions (PRs) and convert them into purchase orders (POs) using ERP systems.
• Ensure timely procurement of materials and components to support production schedules and new product development.
• Coordinate with logistics teams regarding inbound deliveries and customs clearance, when applicable.
• Resolve supplier-related issues including delivery delays, part shortages, quality concerns, and quantity discrepancies.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through:
  • Value engineering
  • Supplier consolidation
  • Localization
  • Alternative sourcing
  • Cost optimization initiatives
• Collaborate with Engineering on alternative materials, supplier development, and component sourcing.
• Work closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Planning teams to understand material requirements and procurement priorities.
• Address supplier quality issues and support root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives.
• Participate in New Product Introduction (NPI) projects and support sourcing of new components and materials.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships while ensuring performance against contractual and operational requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of relevant procurement, sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Strong experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment is highly preferred.
• Strong negotiation, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and multiple suppliers.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including:
  • Fabrication
  • Machining
  • Casting
  • Electronics
  • Structural components
• Proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.
• Knowledge of should-costing and cost breakdown analysis.
• Experience with supplier audits and supplier performance evaluation.
• Understanding of procurement processes, sourcing methodologies, and supply chain practices.
• Experience with RFQ/RFP processes, competitive bidding, contract negotiation, and purchase order management.

Preferred Skills

• Engineering background with experience in manufacturing procurement.
• Experience supporting NPI and supplier development initiatives.
• Experience with cost reduction and value engineering programs.
• Experience working with mechanical and electrical component suppliers.
• Strong knowledge of supplier quality and continuous improvement practices.