Category Specialist

Description

Build positive working relationships with internal teams such as Engineering, Operations, and Project Management. Help gather and understand market and industry trends to support purchasing decisions. Assist in managing supplier relationships and maintaining contracts or agreements. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and support cost‑saving goals through basic data analysis. Participate in sourcing activities, such as helping prepare RFx documents and supporting contract discussions. Work with the procurement team to identify opportunities for improvement within your spend categories. Provide general support across procurement projects and help document savings or benefits achieved.

Skills

Procurement, Supply chain, Purchasing, Contract negotiation, Data entry, data analysis, Purchase order, Negotiation, Category management, Contract, Strategic sourcing, Forecasting, Sap, Costpoint, Buyer purchasing, Vendor management

Top Skills Details

Procurement,Supply chain,Purchasing,Contract negotiation,Data entry,data analysis,Purchase order,Negotiation,Category management,Contract

Additional Skills & Qualifications

At least 2-4 years of procurement, supply chain, or related experience. Basic understanding of purchasing or sourcing processes. Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships. Solid data analysis skills and attention to detail. Self‑starter mindset with a desire to learn and grow. Comfortable making decisions with supervision and asking questions when needed. Proficiency in Microsoft Office; exposure to Power BI, SAP, or e‑procurement tools is a plus. Willingness to travel occasionally (around 25%). Education & Certifications Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field. Certifications or progress toward a supply chain certification is a plus but not required.

Experience Level

Intermediate Level

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Knoxville, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.35 - $37.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Knoxville,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io (%View email address on click.appcast.io) for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.