Procurement Specialist (Biotechnology)

Job Title: Procurement Specialist (Biotechnology)
1 year contract with potential to convert to a full-time permanent position
Location: On-site in Bedford MA 01730

Position Summary
The Procurement Specialist will be responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement lifecycle ensuring timely sourcing, purchasing, and vendor and contract management of goods and services that support research, development, and operational activities. This role ensures cost-effective purchasing while maintaining compliance with internal policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Purchasing

• Process purchase requisitions and issue purchase orders for laboratory supplies, equipment, consumables, and services, including administrative supplies and services
• Source and evaluate vendors for scientific, technical, and operational needs
• Obtain and compare quotes to ensure best value, quality, and delivery timelines
• Track order status, deliveries, and resolve discrepancies or issues
• Invoice Submission and Validation Support by reviewing and reconciling invoices

Vendor & Contract Management

• Manage and maintain relationships with approved vendors and suppliers
• Maintain accurate supplier records, certifications, and related documentation
• Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, and periodic re-evaluation in compliance with quality and regulatory standards
• Monitor supplier performance and escalate risks as needed
• Maintain accurate and complete contract records and related documentation
• Monitor contract expiration dates and proactively manage renewal timelines
• Ensure supplier compliance with contractual terms, pricing agreements, service-level agreements, company policies, and all agreed obligations, deliverables, milestones, and commercial commitments.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company SOPs, requirements (as applicable), and financial controls
• Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier performance, contract list, documentation, and audit-ready files
• Support internal and external audits related to procurement activities

Co st & Spend Management

• Analyze supplier quotations, pricing trends, and total cost of ownership
• Identify and execute cost-saving, cost-avoidance, and cost and service improvement opportunities
• Track procurement savings, provide procurement reports and prepare periodic spend reports
• Purchasing forecasts

Collaboration & Support

• Partner with R&D, Finance, and Operations teams to forecast needs and align purchasing priorities
• Assist with inventory management and demand planning for critical materials
• Develop and maintain BPM and SAP Ariba system user manuals, standard operating procedures, and training materials; conduct periodic refresher training and system onboarding for new employees
• Identify system and process improvement opportunities and coordinate system enhancements to improve efficiency, accuracy, and user experience to optimize workflows and system functionality

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Life Sciences, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 2-5 years of procurement or purchasing experience, preferably in biotech, pharma, life sciences, or regulated industries
• Familiarity with laboratory supplies, scientific equipment, or research services
• Strong organizational, communication, and negotiation skills
• Prior experience/knowledge on ARIBA and SAP S4/HANA platform, Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred

• Knowledge of supplier qualification and quality documentation
• Experience working in early-stage or fast-growing biotech companies
• Proficiency in Excel pivot tables, V-Lookup, etc.

Equal Employment Opportunity
At PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC), we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
PIRC does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to PIRC employees or HR will become the property of PIRC without obligation or fee.

 

At PharmaEssentia, our goal is to treat as many people with cancer as possible. That means challenging the status quo with better science that leads to better lives. By joining our team, you will not only expand your own possibilities, but you will contribute to expanding options for people with cancer.