Strategic Purchasing Agent - Indirect Goods & Savings

Location: Channahon, Illinois, United States A Day in the Life The Purchasing Agent will act as the single point of contact toward the internal customer for procurement related questions; manage local purchasing requests for indirect (non-bill of material) products and services in collaboration with the sourcing and category management organization and guarantee efficient contact implementation/acceptance on site. What You'll Be Doing Manage local purchase requisitions for indirect products and services according to defined strategies and frameworks Verify purchase request quality and correct buying channel, align with end users on missing specifications Execute local purchase requisitions Identify and advise customer on possible modification from original requests (e.g. more cost effective alternatives exist) Screen potential suppliers through basic Request For Information/Proposal process Select a supplier according to the defined strategy in the category Process requisition via purchase order or purchasing card Follow-up on purchase orders Be aware of purchase request processing guidelines for all categories to allow for flexible work allocation Collaborate with local planning functions on production schedules and MRP min/max levels Ensure local purchase requisition approvals are defined and followed Manage the Procurement function at multiple sites Be an expert in understanding local catalog content relevant for a particular site and ensure familiarity with relevant category instructions detailing buying procedure, preferred suppliers, etc. for the site (close collaboration with Sourcing Managers and Content Maintainers who will provide these guidelines) Ensure the use of the procurement procedures by internal customers at the site If necessary, inform internal customers about required changes and/or preferred alternative buying channels Guarantee efficient use of the purchasing systems by all users providing them assistance when necessary Act as a coordinator between the local stakeholders and the procurement organization Identify, track, and report locally generated savings Manage and coordinate with local and regional external suppliers Source and negotiate pricing for all maintenance supplies and services not covered by strategic sourcing agreements Ensure all purchased materials and services are delivered on time to support a 24/7 plant operation Coordinate contract implementation tasks with purchasing managers and stakeholders Coordinate and participate in the execution of the implementation plan Promote the use of global/regional contracts Ensure purchases comply with defined preferred supplier program and are in line with defined channel strategy Support strategic sourcing initiatives Upon request by the Center of Expertise or Sourcing Manager during the sourcing process: Provide input on local spend situation and category practices Provide insights on local supplier market Engage local stakeholders to identify any local requirements (legal, QA/regulatory, customer, specifications, etc.) Support local supplier qualification assessment Support contract implementation plan development Support on‑going spot buy reduction initiatives locally Ensure purchasing involvement in 85+% of all local non-commodity, non-logistic spend Monitor recurring spot buys to reduce the total amount of spot buys Highlight potential for catalogue and contract creation based on recurrent free text requests Perform additional job responsibilities as directed by Purchasing Manager Skill/Experience Requirements Bachelor's degree preferred, in relevant discipline; high school diploma required Minimum of two years relevant purchasing experience required Strong analytical thinking (understand complex subjects, decompose into comparable components, structured evaluation and documentation) Thorough understanding of defined procurement P2P processes Local supplier market awareness (for assigned commodities) and product/service portfolio insights Basic sourcing (methodology) understanding including total Cost Ownership, Risk Management and Savings/Benefit monitoring Familiar with the letter and spirit of the laws applicable to purchasing and supply management Proficiency in SAP considered an asset Strong verbal and written communication skills Good computer skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SAP Proven ability to work with minimal supervision Benefits Health Benefits – Offering choices so you can enroll in medical, dental and vision plans that meet your individual needs. 401(k) Retirement Plan – Automatic 5% company contribution and matching up to 4% of your contributions. Family Support – 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave and fertility coverage. Tuition Reimbursement – Contributing to your education by reimbursing $5,000 of tuition expenses annually. Time Off – Providing generous PTO based on professional work experience: 0‑9 years: 25 days, 10‑19 years: 30 days, 20+ years: 35 days. The compensation range for this position is $56,936.00 – $64,053.00. In addition to the regular compensation, this role is also eligible for an annual incentive bonus. #J-18808-Ljbffr Illinois Ag