Indirect Purchasing Specialist

Lead continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to strengthen controls, improve user experience, optimize operational efficiency, and support enterprise procurement objectives through the MSA Operating System. Experience in price and commercial terms negotiation, demonstrated SAP supply chain proficiency, large scale cost savings project leadership, cross funcational project leadership.

Overview:

Are you someone who is passionate, motivated, and driven to make a difference?  If so, MSA Safety is the perfect fit for your career. 

 

At MSA, SAFETY is who we are AND it is what we do.  We are a purpose-driven company committed to deploying innovation and technology to deliver on our Mission to help protect people and assets all around the world.  We continue to be relentless in our pursuit of solving our customers greatest problems so they can go home safe each and every day. 

 

Are you in?  Read on for more details about this particular role.

Responsibilities:

Level I

• Create/convert purchase requisitions into purchase orders while ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with procurement procedures (perfect PO).

• Support internal stakeholders and suppliers by analyzing quotes, resolving purchasing inquiries, and assisting with invoice or accounts payable discrepancies.

• Maintain purchasing document life cycle, supplier records, and procurement data within ERP and P2P systems.

• Demonstrate understanding of indirect purchasing policies, approved suppliers, and governance requirements while escalating exceptions as needed.

• Apply MSA Operating System tools and problem-solving methodologies to support efficient execution of daily purchasing activities.

Level II

• Execute indirect purchasing activities across MSA regions, requisition conversion, supplier communications, negotiation, commercial term evaluation, cost control initiatives and issue resolution

• Serve as a resource to stakeholders by promoting adherence to procurement policies, process standards, and P2P best practices.

• Leverage procurement systems, ERP tools, and reporting capabilities to monitor workflow performance, identify process improvement opportunities, and increase operational efficiency.

• Apply the MSA Operating System to identify root causes, drive corrective actions, and support continuous improvement initiatives within indirect procurement processes.

Level III

• Champion indirect procurement excellence through stewardship of global P2P processes, process standards, and stakeholder adoption.

• Own indirect purchasing performance metrics, workflow health, and related analytics to drive transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders, influencing procurement best practices through training, communication, process guidance, and collaboration with regional and global leadership.

• Partner with Procurement, Finance, IT, and business teams to evaluate, implement, and optimize procurement technologies, automation solutions, and system enhancements.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to strengthen controls, improve user experience, optimize operational efficiency, and support enterprise procurement objectives through the MSA Operating System.

Qualifications:

Level I

• Required

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain / Logistics / Business or Related Field

  • Experience: Entry level - This level will be higher tactical vs strategic
• Preferred
  • Education: Also ISM, APICS, ASCM Certification
  • Experience: Experience with business intelligence platform. Indirect material purchasing experience in a versatile industrial manufacturing, assemly or distribution environment, low volume / high mix.

Level II

• Required

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain / Logistics / Business or Related Field

  • Experience: 2+ years indirect purchasing experience. $10M-$100M Indirect Spend. Cost savings >$100k.
• Preferred
  • Education: Also ISM, APICS, ASCM Certification
  • Experience: Proficient user of business intelligence platform. Experience in price and commercial terms negotiation, demonstrated SAP supply chain proficiency, large scale cost savings project leadership, cross funcational project leadership.

Level III

• Required

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain / Logistics / Business or Related Field

  • Experience: 4+ years indirect purchasing experience. >$100M Indirect Spend. Cost savings >$250k.
• Preferred
  • Education: Also ISM, APICS, ASCM Certification
  • Experience: Use and creation of data visuals using a business intelligence platform. Experience with strategic supplier relationships, new product development projects, SAP supply chain systems expert, S2P or P2P software (Coupa, Ariba, GEP, etc.) experience

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