Purchasing Specialist

Purchasing Specialist

The Purchasing Specialist manages end-to-end purchasing activities and subcontracting processes within SAP, coordinates with suppliers, and supports manufacturing operations across multiple sites. This role works closely with manufacturing, supply chain, operations, planning, and supplier partners to ensure materials and services are procured efficiently and in compliance with established procurement processes. The successful candidate brings strong SAP expertise, worked in a manufacturing environment, and a proactive, analytical approach to problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchase requisitions and purchase orders within SAP, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.
• Execute and maintain subcontracting procurement processes, including supplier coordination and inventory management activities.
• Support multiple manufacturing facilities and business stakeholders with reliable purchasing and supply chain services.
• Monitor supplier performance, delivery schedules, and purchasing metrics to maintain consistent supply and quality.
• Investigate and resolve purchasing, supply, inventory, and invoice discrepancies in a timely and thorough manner.
• Collaborate with planning, production, and operations teams to ensure uninterrupted supply to manufacturing operations.
• Analyze procurement data to identify trends and recommend process improvements and optimization opportunities.
• Ensure all purchasing activities comply with established company procedures and procurement policies.
• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives and supply chain optimization projects across the organization.
• Provide guidance and support to junior procurement team members as business needs evolve.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal business partners to support long-term collaboration.
• Leverage ERP and SAP systems to manage high volumes of purchase orders and maintain accurate procurement records.

Essential Skills

• 5–8+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, buyer, or supply chain roles.
• Advanced SAP experience in purchasing and procurement modules.
• Demonstrated experience processing high volumes of purchase orders in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of procurement transactions, purchasing workflows, and supplier management practices.
• Proven ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders and manage competing priorities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Experience working with ERP systems to support procurement and planning activities.
• Bachelor's degree.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Direct SAP subcontracting experience, with the ability to manage complex subcontractor relationships.
• Manufacturing industry experience, particularly in environments such as chemical, industrial, adhesives, coatings, or engineered products.
• Exposure to leading projects, mentoring team members, or handling supervisory responsibilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in planning and planner-related responsibilities within a procurement or supply chain context.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Interest in continuous improvement and contributing to supply chain optimization initiatives.

Work Environment

This role operates in a hybrid work environment, allowing the employee to select two days per week to work from home, with core hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position supports multiple manufacturing facilities and uses SAP and other ERP systems extensively to manage purchasing and subcontracting processes. The organization invests heavily in training, leadership development, mentorship, and internal career progression, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. Work is primarily office-based, with regular collaboration across manufacturing, supply chain, operations, planning, and supplier partners.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Paul, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.06 - $40.87/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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)