Procurement Specialist

Location: Evansville, IN, 47712 (On-site)

Department: Procurement

Reports To: Sourcing Director

Status: Full-time

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Direct Reports: None

Position Summary

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for the timely and cost-effective procurement of raw materials, packaging, additives, colorants, and indirect materials needed to support manufacturing operations. This role works closely with Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, Product Development, Customer Service, Finance, and Suppliers to ensure uninterrupted supply while optimizing cost, quality, inventory, and supplier performance.

Essential Functions

Procurement and Purchasing

• Execute purchase orders for production raw materials.
• Purchase indirect materials as needed.
• Expedite critical materials to avoid production interruptions.
• Resolve supplier delivery and material issues.
• Support cost reduction through competitive sourcing, supplier negotiations, packaging optimization, and alternative materials.

Supplier Coordination

• Maintain daily communication with suppliers regarding order status, lead times, shipment schedules, material availability, and backorders.
• Obtain quotations for new materials and services.
• Evaluate supplier performance for delivery, quality, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness.
• Support supplier scorecard initiatives.

ERP and Systems Support

• Create and maintain purchase orders.
• Maintain supplier master information, including lead times and pricing.
• Ensure accurate ERP transaction processing and data integrity.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of purchasing or procurement experience preferred.
• Industrial raw material purchasing and manufacturing experience preferred.

Technical Knowledge

• Thermoplastic resins and polymer supply chains.
• Resin purchasing and manufacturing inventory control.
• Supplier management and cost analysis.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical ability.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Negotiation skills.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Team collaboration.
• Time management.
• Initiative.
• Ethical decision-making.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Office environment with regular exposure to manufacturing operations.
• Occasional travel to supplier facilities or industry events.
• Fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Occasional walking through manufacturing facilities.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to wear required PPE in production areas.

Preferred Industry Experience

Experience in one or more of the following is highly desirable:

• Custom thermoplastic compounding.
• Plastics manufacturing.
• Polymer distribution.
• Color concentrates.
• Additives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.