Easter Seals Jobs

Job Title: Purchasing Specialist

Job Description:

The Procurement Specialist will transact business to buy the products or services required with the most favorable terms and conditions. The Procurement Specialist will work with the people in the organization to determine needs and develop effective business relationships with vendors to meet those needs in the best interest of the company. This position will also play a crucial role in optimizing the movement of goods from purchasing through production to delivery. This includes analyzing data, monitoring inventory levels, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and collaborating with various departments to ensure a smooth flow of products or services from suppliers to customers. The use of statistical methods and software to establish and track performance metrics and suggest improvements to enhance overall supply chain effectiveness is a required skill set for this role. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work with cross-functional teams are also key for this role.

Responsibilities:

• Support Project Management, Manufacturing, and Service functions with on-schedule procurement of mechanical & electrical components/services as required for manufacture and after-sales service to ensure the optimum combination of price, quality, and lead time is obtained on all items/services purchases. This includes negotiation of pricing, delivery, and payment terms, as well as cancellation/return/warranty policies.

• Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure required performance (on-time delivery, quality, competitive pricing) is achieved and continuously improved.

• Assist QC/Receiving function with resolution of product or documentation discrepancies preventing formal receipt and utilization of purchased items. Similarly, coordinate with Mech./Elec. Design as required to resolve discrepancies involving system Part Numbers, Item Descriptions, Vendor Documentation Code requirements, etc.

• Provide Project Managers with timely updates on the status of procurement for their respective projects. Participate in project team meetings as required to ensure accurate and up-to-date communication regarding project status is maintained.

• Support Product Management and Sales functions as requested to obtain quotations for materials/services related to the preparation of project proposals.

• Coordinate with Engineering and Mech./Elec. Design functions to identify opportunities for product training (Lunch & Learns) or similar technical information sessions to enhance understanding of vendor product lines, new applications, cost savings, etc.

• Identify inefficiencies in Supply Chain processes and propose improvements for enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Revise and/or create new procedural documents.

• Analyze and interpret data related to inventory, vendor performance, and overall supply chain performance.

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate and improve overall supply chain performance.

• Assess and mitigate potential risks within the supply chain, such as disruptions in the flow of goods and services.

• Leverage technology and software tools for data analysis, inventory tracking, and process optimization.

• Proactively seek opportunities for continuous improvement in supply chain processes and stay informed about industry trends and best practices.

• Collaborate with other department employees and the Global Supply Chain Manager to identify and implement opportunities for process improvement that increase the efficiency of operations, more effectively utilize resources, and reduce costs.

• Follow all safety rules and policies.

• Ability to travel when required.

• Play an active role in identifying and driving Continuous Improvement (CI) opportunities.

• Other work as assigned to support projects and/or customer expectations.

Hard Skills

• 5+ years of Purchasing experience with manufacturing experience

• ERP experience

• Experience processing PO's

Soft Skills

• Strong attention to detail

• Strong analytical skills

• Ability to work with cross-functional teams

Job Type

This is a Contract-to-Hire position with a duration of 6 Months.

Work Site

This is a fully on-site position in Springfield, Missouri.

Work Environment

Office environment. The hours are M-F 8-5 pm fully onsite. This person will report in person and will work with a team of 3 other Buyers. Dress code is business casual.

About Aston Carter:

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Aston Carter, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent

• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection

• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes

• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.