Purchasing Specialist

The Purchasing Specialist leads strategic sourcing initiatives, negotiates high-value supplier agreements, and drives cost reduction and supply chain optimization across key commodities. This role provides analytical leadership, supports financial objectives, and mentors purchasing team members.

Key Responsibilities:

· Cultural Representation: Uphold and promote the values and culture of Spike Electric Controls, fostering accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development.

· Commodity Ownership: Develop and execute sourcing strategies for key commodities to improve cost, lead time, supplier performance, and supply continuity.

· Cost Reduction Initiatives: Identify and lead cost savings opportunities, including price negotiations, supplier consolidation, and alternative sourcing.

· Strategic Supplier Relationships: Evaluate, qualify, and develop supplier partnerships that strengthen cost competitiveness, supply continuity, and long-term supplier performance.

· Supplier Performance Management: Develop, implement, and manage supplier scorecards to evaluate delivery, quality, responsiveness, pricing, and overall supplier effectiveness.

· High Value Negotiation: Negotiate complex contracts, long-term agreements, and strategic supplier partnerships.

· Order Management: Prepare purchase orders, track shipments, ensure timely delivery of goods, and proactively address risks to prevent production delays.

· Cross-Functional Coordination: Work closely with sales, project management, warehouse, production, and accounting to ensure accurate demand planning, material flow, and billing.

· Market Intelligence: Monitor market trends, pricing movement, supplier capacity, and supply risks to guide sourcing strategy and cost reduction efforts.

· Compliance: Ensure all procurement activities adhere to company policies, budgets, and legal requirements.

· Financial and Purchasing Analytics: Lead ROI analysis, PPV tracking, and working capital optimization efforts, including inventory turns, supplier performance trends, and lead time reduction.

· Risk Management: Identify supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies.

· Problem Resolution: Address and resolve issues related to quality, delivery, pricing from suppliers, and invoice discrepancies.

· Documentation: Maintain accurate sourcing records, supplier agreements, savings documentation, and performance reporting.

· Team Development: Mentor and support Purchasing Agents and Expeditors in skill development and performance improvement.

Qualifications:

· 3-5+ years of experience in procurement and/or supply chain management.

· Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management/Industrial Distribution preferred.

· Demonstrated success negotiating pricing, terms, and supplier agreements with measurable cost savings.

· Experience managing complex or high value commodities and supplier relationships.

· Advanced negotiation and decision-making skills.

· Proficiency in ERP systems (Microsoft Dynamics preferred) and Microsoft Excel.

· Solid understanding of contract terms, pricing structures, and working capital impact.

· Strong knowledge of supply chain dynamics, including lead times, capacity constraints, and market trends.

· Ability to identify risks and proactively adjust sourcing strategies to prevent disruptions.

· Proven ability to mentor and support junior team members. (Purchasing Agents and Expeditors)

· Strong communication skills with the ability to influence suppliers and internal stakeholders.

· Experience analyzing price variance (PPV), supplier performance, and total cost of ownership.

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

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