Procurement Specialist

Procurement Specialist Albany, GA Full-Time, Permanent The Procurement Specialist assures the appropriate materials are on-hand when needed, negotiates and purchases materials at the most competitive price, and aligns with planning/production requirements. The Procurement Specialist must be familiar with functional demands, market trends, purchasing policies and procedures, and the site production budget. This position is essential for ensuring optimal inventory levels, preventing production delays, and driving the efficiency of procurement operations. Responsibilities: Evaluates purchase requisitions and submit purchase orders proposal to designated approvers. Monitor supplier notifications and planning changes to assess potential risks or delays. Analyze market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities and value-added deals. Manage procurement activities align with budget constraints, focusing on Purchase Price versus Standard Cost Analyze SAP on-hand inventory levels for raw material components to ensure optimal material stock availability and mitigate production shutdown risks. Source and evaluate potential suppliers, review proposals, and lead contract negotiations for goods and services. Draft, review, and manage supplier contracts, ensuring alignment with company policies and legal standards. Foster strong supplier relationships to promote quality, reliability, and cost-efficiency. Identify and mitigate risks related to suppliers and procurement processes through proactive strategies. Ensure full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal procurement policies across all activities. Investigate and resolve invoice payment discrepancies in coordination with Finance and Accounts Payable. Collaborate with cross-functional departments to validate material demand and service quotations; while actively supporting project timelines and the successful implementation of new materials or equipment. In collaboration with the US Procurement Lead, proactively identify and evaluate alternative component materials to improve performance and achieve cost efficiencies. Track and evaluate vendor performance, including On-Time Delivery, Quantity Reliability, Quality Deviations, and Material Acceptance. Request and evaluate supplier quotations to inform and support strategic sourcing decisions. Support the implementation and adherence to site-specific purchasing procedures Assist with various site purchasing procedures Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain or Business Management, or related field preferred; or a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills Ability to align daily efforts with organizational goals and objectives Proven track record of managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines High attention to detail and commitment to quality and accuracy. Ability to learn and apply functional demands, market trends, purchasing policies and procedures, and budgetary controls. Proficient in diversified clerical functions and basic accounting procedures Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills while engaging with various departments to ensure alignment, clarity, and coordination across cross-functional initiatives Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language used in the workplace (bilingual skills a plus) Acute attention to detail Versatility, flexibility, and demonstrates adaptability to shift priorities in a dynamic work environment with enthusiasm SAP knowledge is a plus Prior training in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is a plus Excellent professional communication skills, written and oral, with advanced computer skills including Word, Power Point and Excel. Ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment and communicate with team members and colleagues at all levels of the organization