Operational Specialist, Procurement

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Strategy Deployment and Execution

• Support execution of category plans through data analysis, reporting, and coordination of sourcing activities.
• Assist with preparation of RFQs, supplier communications, and pricing data collection
• Maintain accurate records of supplier pricing, lead times, and material information.
• Support alignment of procurement activity with supply planning and inventory requirements.
• Assist with contract documentation and tracking activities.

Drive Success

• Support coordination between Procurement, Supply Chain, and suppliers on routine operational matters.
• Assist with tracking supplier commitments, delivery updates, and supply issues.
• Support identification of cost, service, and supplier performance trends through data analysis.
• Escalate issues or inconsistencies to Category leadership as needed.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Support day-to-day supplier communication, including scheduling meetings and tracking follow-ups.
• Assist in preparation of supplier performance reviews and business review materials
• Maintain organized records of supplier interactions and commitments.
• Support ongoing supplier engagement activities.

Supplier Risk & Performance Management

• Support tracking of supplier performance metrics, issues, and corrective actions.
• Assist with supplier audit coordination and documentation.
• Maintain records related to supplier risk and performance data.
• Escalate potential risks or concerns to Category or Supplier Risk leadership.

PO fulfillment

• Ensure the raw material purchase order fulfilment process is run smoothly, POs are released, acknowledged, monitored, expedited, and closed in alignment with MRP, supply plans, lead times, and production requirements.
• Escalate any procurement exception management for raw materials that is not able to fulfil by suppliers, including late deliveries, supplier non-confirmation, price discrepancies, invoice issues, MOQ constraints, allocation, and urgent supply requirements.
• Drive supplier recovery actions for service failures, including expedited shipment, revised delivery plans, allocation negotiation, corrective actions, and communication of recovery timelines to internal stakeholders.
• Partner with Finance, Accounts Payable, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to resolve PO, invoice, pricing, quantity, and goods receipt discrepancies in a timely manner.

High-Performing Procurement Organization

• Maintain strong process discipline and support compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
• Support Procurement Operations with supplier data accuracy and system updates.
• Contribute to reporting and analytics activities across procurement.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives within procurement processes.
• Actively build knowledge of procurement, supply chain, and supplier management practices

Critical Competencies

• Analytical Thinking - Ability to analyze data and identify insights.
• Attention to Detail - Accuracy in managing data, supplier information, and documentation.
• Communication Skills - Clear and effective communication with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Learning Agility - Ability to quickly develop procurement, supply chain, and material knowledge.
• Collaboration - Ability to work effectively across teams and functions.
• Organizational Discipline - Ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain structured processes.
• Basic Business Acumen - Understanding of how procurement supports manufacturing and operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Chemistry, or related field required
• 0-2 years of experience (internships, co-ops, or early career roles acceptable)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard business tools
• Interest in procurement, supply chain, or manufacturing environments
• Ability to work in a global, cross-functional environment

Work Hours

Michelman’s standard work hours for this role are Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm EST but this is responsible for global operations the ability to support global teams will require the associate to work outside of these normal working hours from time to time.