Procurement Specialist

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for leading O2B Early Education's purchasing and procurement strategy to ensure schools and corporate departments receive the products and services they need while maximizing value, maintaining quality standards, and supporting operational excellence. This position oversees vendor relationships, purchasing processes, inventory management, contract negotiations, and purchasing team performance. The Procurement Specialist partners closely with Operations, Finance, Facilities, Education, and Executive Leadership to support the organization's continued growth and financial objectives. Essential Responsibilities Strategic Procurement Develop and execute purchasing strategies that align with organizational goals and support sustainable growth. Identify opportunities to reduce costs while maintaining or improving product quality and service levels. Analyze purchasing trends, market conditions, and industry developments to inform purchasing decisions. Establish purchasing standards and ensure consistency across all schools and departments. Vendor & Contract Management Develop and maintain strong relationships with key vendors and suppliers. Negotiate contracts, pricing, rebates, service agreements, and payment terms that maximize organizational value. Evaluate vendor performance using measurable performance indicators, addressing issues proactively when necessary. Research and onboard new vendors to improve pricing, quality, and operational efficiencies. Work to centralize preferred vendor catalog for use of department managers. Purchasing Operations Oversee the organization's purchasing process from requisition through delivery. Ensure timely procurement of classroom supplies, food service items, janitorial products, office supplies, playground equipment, furniture, technology, and capital purchases. Develop and maintain purchasing policies and procedures that promote consistency, accountability, and compliance. Ensure purchasing practices comply with organizational policies and applicable regulations. Inventory & Distribution Monitor purchasing patterns and recommend inventory adjustments based on usage trends and seasonal demand. Improve inventory accuracy and purchasing efficiency through data analysis and process improvements. Financial Management Monitor spending across departments and identify opportunities for savings. Prepare purchasing reports, cost analyses, and forecasting for executive leadership. Partner with Finance to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning initiatives. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Finance, or a related field. Experience with multi-site purchasing. Five or more years of progressive purchasing or procurement experience. Three or more years of leadership or management experience. Strong negotiation and contract management skills. Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities. Experience managing budgets and vendor relationships. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and purchasing or ERP software. 80% off of preschool or afterschool tuition for 2 children (50% off each additional) for full‑time employees First four weeks of tuition for two children free at time of hire Monthly incentive bonuses Paid holidays for full‑time employees Paid time off for full‑time employees Health insurance for full‑time employees Dental, Vision, and other voluntary plans for full‑time employees Pet Insurance TeleDoc 529 college savings plan Direct deposit and paperless pay checks 401(k) with employer contribution for qualifying employees Scholarships towards early childhood education credentials Free first aid and CPR training Meals provided during student lunch time Employee snack and coffee station $1,000 employee referral bonus for each referred employee $250 employee referral bonus for each referred student Wage is based on experience, credentials and precise position O2B Kids is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr