Senior Procurement Specialist

Senior Procurement Specialist

The Senior Procurement Specialist is a key member of the site's procurement team, responsible for driving initiatives related to cost reduction, strategic sourcing, vendor management (including lead time, quality, and service improvements), risk mitigation, contract negotiation, and long-term strategic planning.

This role plays a critical part in supporting both short-term operational needs and long-term business objectives to maintain a competitive supply chain strategy. In addition to leading continuous improvement initiatives, the position is responsible for purchasing raw materials, finished goods, and packaging, while partnering closely with the Sourcing Manager and Senior Purchasing Specialist to achieve overall supply chain goals.

The role collaborates cross-functionally with Planning, Production, Quality, Engineering, and Product teams on a regular basis and reports directly to the Head of Supply Chain & Logistics.

Here's what you'll do:

• Partner closely with Finance, Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain teams to identify and prioritize initiatives that reduce cost of goods sold (COGS), lead times, and defect rates.
• Manage the procurement of raw materials required for production, ensuring on-time availability while optimizing inventory levels and minimizing excess.
• Lead efforts to identify procurement risks, develop mitigation strategies, and collaborate with the global procurement team to implement solutions.
• Work with Sourcing to identify and qualify global suppliers that support site performance and long-term business goals.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to drive improvements in cost, quality, lead time, and service, while fostering long-term partnerships.
• Collaborate with the Procurement team to negotiate and manage supplier contracts, focusing on total cost of ownership, quality compliance, and lead-time reduction.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Fishbowl) to support effective material planning and procurement execution.
• Partner cross-functionally with Planning, Engineering, R&D, Quality, and Production to align procurement strategies with business and regulatory requirements.
• Track, analyze, and report on key procurement KPIs, including COGS, purchase price variance (PPV), inventory turns, supplier performance, and stock availability.
• Continuously assess supplier risk and implement mitigation strategies to ensure supply continuity in a regulated environment.
• Develop and enhance procurement policies, procedures, and best practices to support scalability, efficiency, and compliance.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Head of Supply Chain & Logistics.

Key Metrics:

• Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
• Purchase Price Variance (PPV)
• Inventory Turns
• Supplier Performance (On-Time Delivery, Quality, Lead Time)

Do you qualify?

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in supply chain roles, with at least 3 years in a Procurement role.
• Demonstrated success responsible for raw material procurement in a regulated industry (medical device, pharmaceutical, or similar).
• Strong background in contract negotiation, supplier performance management, and leading cost savings initiatives.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams).

Preferred:

• APICS/ASCM CPIM or CSCP certification.
• Lean Six Sigma experience (Green Belt preferred).
• Experience in global sourcing and supplier development.

Work Authorization Requirement:

This position requires unrestricted authorization to work in the United States. This role is not eligible for current or future employment visa sponsorship or visa transfers.

We have amazing benefits to support you as an employee at ZEISS!

• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• 401k Matching
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Vacation and sick pay
• The list goes on!

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of requirements, duties, or responsibilities. The Company reserves the right to interpret, amend, or otherwise modify, in whole or in part, any job description at any time, at its sole discretion.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Maria Khalil