Procurement Operations Specialist

Description SUMMARY: The Procurement Operations Specialist exercises independent judgment and analytical expertise to optimize the Company's end-to-end procure-to-pay (P2P) process, directly impacting supply continuity, cost control, and operational performance across plant locations. This role serves as a subject matter authority on procurement operations, making independent decisions on sourcing, vendor management, invoice resolution, and process improvement within defined parameters. The Procurement Operations Specialist partners with SupplyChain, Operations, Finance, and Accounting leadership to evaluate supplier performance, identify risk, and drive process improvements that strengthen the integrity and efficiency of the Company's procurement function. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Execute day-to-day purchase order processing within the ERP system, including PO creation, updates, and maintenance. Manage the full purchase order lifecycle, ensuring accuracy from creation through receipt and invoice completion. Establish, evaluate, and modify procurement procedures and standard operating workflows, exercising independent judgment to improve process efficiency and ensure compliance with Company standards. Update purchase orders for pricing, delivery dates, quantities, and product specifications based on supplier confirmations. Attach and maintain required documentation (Bills of Lading, Certificates of Analysis, and freight documentation) within ERP and external systems. Evaluate vendor performance against delivery, pricing, and quality commitments; independently determine corrective action, redirect sourcing decisions, or escalate to leadership based on findings and risk assessment. Coordinate and track estimated times of arrival (ETAs), proactively communicating updates to plants and internal stakeholders. Perform purchase order receiving functions, including transactions for railcars, plant deliveries, and freight. Identify process inefficiencies within the P2P workflow; independently design and implement procedural improvements or lead system enhancement initiatives in coordination with leadership. Support Accounts Payable by resolving invoice discrepancies, obtaining missing documentation, and ensuring invoices are processed in a timely manner. Review and manage receiving reports and open PO reports, addressing past-due receipts and missing documentation. Assist with month-end close activities, including invoice reconciliation and reporting support. Communicate with vendors to confirm availability, request updates, and obtain pricing documentation. Support expedited and last-minute material requests by identifying available supply options. Assist in resolving operational issues impacting deliveries, including coordination between vendors, carriers, and internal teams. Make independent sourcing decisions for non-contracted and spot-buy spend within defined parameters, including supplier selection and pricing acceptance, to ensure uninterrupted plant operations. Determine the appropriate escalation path and response strategy for supply disruptions, including the authority to engage alternative suppliers to protect production continuity when primary sources cannot meet requirements. Review and approve invoice discrepancy resolutions within authorized thresholds, exercising independent judgment on vendor credit issuance, dispute escalation, or write-off recommendations with direct financial impact to the Company. Provide cross-functional support to the Procurement, Operations, and Accounting teams as needed. Maintain accurate and current data within ERP systems to support reporting and decision-making. Conduct cost analysis and spend reporting to directly inform supplier negotiations, sourcing strategy, and budget planning decisions made by Supply Chain leadership. REQUIRED EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: Minimum two (2) years of experience in procurement operations, purchasing, or procure-to-pay functions. Working knowledge of the purchase order lifecycle and accounts payable processes. Experience working within Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Ability to manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgment under time pressure, and maintain accuracy across complex, multi-stakeholder procurement activities. Effective written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional coordination. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data tracking. Experience with NetSuite or a comparable ERP platform. (Preferred) Experience in chemical, manufacturing, or supply chain environments. (Preferred) Experience supporting Accounts Payable or financial reconciliation processes. (Preferred) PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: • Must complete and pass all required pre-employment screenings. Imperative Chemical Partners is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national or ethnic origin, veteran or disability status. This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned or re-assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.