Procurement Specialist

Procurement SpecialistSt. Louis, MO | Full-Time | Non-ExemptWHY THIS ROLE IS DIFFERENTMost procurement postings read like a checklist: process POs, chase vendors, update spreadsheets. This one isn't that. You'll be the person who decides how materials actually get where they need to be - negotiating with vendors, allocating stock against real project deadlines, and catching problems before they become someone else's emergency.We're less interested in whether you've used a specific ERP system before and more interested in how you think when something doesn't add up: do you dig in, or wait to be told what to do?What Makes This Opportunity Different:Real ownership from day one - you'll manage vendor relationships and purchasing decisions, not just process paperwork someone else decided onA steep, fast learning curve across fire/life safety, security, and AV systems - genuinely interesting products, not commodity partsDirect visibility into how your work affects project timelines and customer commitments - you'll see the impact of a good (or bad) sourcing callA small, family-owned company where you're not a cog - leadership knows your name and your workRoom to grow into senior procurement, category management, or supply chain analytics based on where your strengths take youABOUT TECH ELECTRONICSTech Electronics is a St. Louis-based, employee-focused technology services company specializing in low-voltage life safety and communication systems - fire alarm, security, video surveillance, and AV - across the education, healthcare, construction, government, commercial, and worship sectors. We've been doing this for nearly 60 years, with nine offices across the Midwest and Colorado, and we still run like a family business because we are one.THE ROLE - WHAT YOU'LL ACTUALLY DOThis role blends hands-on purchasing execution with the judgment calls that keep material flowing. Roughly:Purchase Order Execution & Vendor Negotiation (40%)Place and manage purchase orders with vendors across our supplier networkNegotiate pricing, discounts, and terms - this directly affects our margins and project profitabilityBuild real working relationships with vendor reps so you're first in line when something's tight or shortSpot and resolve pricing discrepancies, lead-time issues, and order problems before they escalateInventory Allocation & Delivery Management (35%)Allocate stock to the right due dates, balancing internal project needs against external customer commitmentsTrack orders proactively - catch delays early and coordinate corrective action with vendors and internal teamsWork across branches to resolve shortages, transfers, and urgent material needsReporting & Continuous Improvement (25%)Maintain accurate, useful inventory, usage, and quality/failure reportsUse data to spot patterns - which vendors are reliable, where costs are creeping, what's about to run shortBring ideas for doing this better - we're not precious about "the way it's always been done"WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FORWe hire for how someone thinks before we hire for what they already know. In order of what actually matters to us:1. Intangibles - this is what we can't teachGrit - you follow through on the unglamorous parts of a job, not just the interesting onesCuriosity - you ask why a process works the way it does instead of just running itFlexibility - you can shift from a vendor negotiation to a shortage crisis to a report, all in one afternoonIndependent thinking - you make a reasonable call when the answer isn't written down, and you know when to ask2. Analytical Comfort - how you use tools and logicComfortable working with numbers, spreadsheets, and systems to make decisions, not just record themCan look at a report and notice what's wrong or what's changing, without being told to look for itPicks up new software quickly - we use Acumatica ERP; you don't need to know it already, but you should be the type who figures systems out fast3. Domain Knowledge - the part we're happy to teachBachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field - or equivalent experience that tells the same storyTwo or more years working with computer systems, including MS OfficeProcurement, purchasing, or vendor-facing experience is a real plus, but we'll hire the right thinker over the right resume keywordWORK ENVIRONMENT & SCHEDULELocation: St. Louis officeSchedule: Monday–Friday, standard business hoursTravel: Minimal - occasional vendor visits possibleReports to: Supply Chain LeadershipCOMPENSATION & BENEFITSCompetitive pay commensurate with experienceHealth, vision & dental insurance starting day oneCompany cell phonePaid time off & accrued personal timeTuition reimbursementLong-term & short-term disability coverageGenerous holiday scheduleTeladoc, SurgeryPlus & other medical benefitsGrowth paths into senior procurement, category management, or supply chain analytics rolesWHO THRIVES IN THIS ROLEYou're someone who:Gets restless doing the same task the same way forever - you want to find a better process, not just run the existing oneDoesn't need every answer handed to you - you'll dig, ask, and make a defensible callActually enjoys the puzzle of getting the right material to the right place at the right timeWants to be known by name, not by employee number - and is comfortable with leadership actually knowing your workREADY TO APPLY?If you're the kind of person who gets curious about why something broke instead of just fixing it and moving on, we want to talk to you. Send us your resume and tell us about a time you figured something out that nobody asked you to figure out.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERTech Electronics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.Must be able to pass a drug and background screen.