Principal Specialist, Procurement

Principal Specialist, Procurement

Published 09.15.2026

Company : Safran Electronics & Defense Job field : Supply chain Location : Rockford , Illinois , United States Contract type : Permanent Contract duration : Full-time Required degree : Bachelors Degree Required experience : More than 5 years Professional status : Employees / Staff Salary range : 100,000

# 2026-187521

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Published 09.15.2026

Job Description

Job Summary

The Principal Procurement Specialist is responsible for developing, executing, monitoring, and improving a supply chain that provides products and services that meet or exceed the quality, delivery and cost objectives of the business. All phases of the procurement function are to be performed with the highest level of professionalism, honesty, and integrity.

Essential Job Functions

• Responsible for assigned Indirect and Direct purchasing responsibilities.
• Procure materials, supplies and services to meet the quality, delivery and cost objectives of the business.
• Manage and perform all functions of the purchase order process within the SAP system.
• Research, interview, monitor and evaluate suppliers for quality, delivery, total cost and service.
• Manage and perform all functions of the RFQ and RFP processes.
• Develop, implement and monitor lean/six sigma purchasing procedures and policies. Train as necessary.
• Drive value engineering efforts with key suppliers.
• Prepare and maintain all purchasing reports, records, files and related material.
• Ensure all invoicing is processed timely and accurately so that vendors are paid correctly and on time.
• Ability to provide remote support to multiple suppliers and locations, domestic and international.
• Support and help implement supply chain initiatives at site.

Job Requirements

Education/Experience

• A Bachelors Degree or equivalent in Business Management, Supply Chain or related field of study and a minimum of 5 years prior experience in a Supply Chain role. Education requirements may be replaced year for year with additional relevant experience.
• Experience with purchasing principles and supplier negotiations.
• MRP systems knowledge and experience (SAP Experience preferred)
• Experience sourcing direct and indirect materials
• Experience managing order scheduling and supplier performance
• Experience managing projects and critical timelines to meet business objectives
• Experience conducting contract reviews

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient computer skills: MRP and Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Problem solving and organizational skills with the ability to multitask
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities
• Knowledge and ability to apply Lean Principles and Six-Sigma

But what else? (advantages, specific features, etc.)

Expected travel: minimal, up to 10%.

Physical Demands- While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

The work environment is office. Noise level in the office is typically quiet while the noise level in the shop can occasionally require hearing protection.

Standard 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday with core office hours between 8am and 4pm daily. Hybrid work may be available at management discretion.

Experience within the Aerospace Industry a preferred but not required.

Company Information

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazines ""Worlds Best Companies 2025"" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors. By combining human and technological intelligence, the company develops products and services for both civil and military customers, operating on land, at sea, in the air and in space.

Locate your future workplace

4747 Harrison Ave, M/S 298-6 61108

Rockford

Illinois United States

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100,000

employees worldwide

27

Number of countries where Safran is located

35

business area families