Specialist, Procurement

Specialist, Procurement

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Career Opportunity:

The Procurement Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring supply continuity while balancing cost efficiency and inventory optimization. This role partners closely with mill personnel, suppliers, and corporate procurement teams to deliver both operational reliability and financial performance improvements.

In this role, you will leverage technology and data analytics to manage procurement activities, develop sourcing strategies, execute RFPs in Ariba, negotiate supplier agreements, and convert requisitions into purchase orders efficiently and effectively. Your work will directly contribute to operational excellence, cost competitiveness, and supply continuity.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support mill priorities for Safety, Environment, Quality, and Operational Excellence.
• Lead procurement for assigned categories (chemicals, MRO, parts, services, vendor managed inventory).
• Manage supplier relationships, contracts, and performance.
• Drive cost savings through sourcing, negotiations, and supplier optimization.
• Execute RFPs, analyze bids, and award business based on best value.
• Resolve supplier issues and mitigate supply risks, including alternate sourcing.
• Process and manage requisitions, purchase orders, and change orders.
• Contract implementation - including developing and leading negotiations of complex agreements in partnership with legal, compliance, risk, supply chain, and all other stakeholders.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Work with primary and alternate suppliers to ensure delivery, expedite, and solve supply chain challenges.
• Lead Request for Proposals (RFP) and review of competitive proposals from suppliers for award decisions.
• Read, analyze, and uphold supplier contracts – including payment terms, warranty, freight terms, and other terms as needed.
• Manage MRO vendors to include our Vendor Managed Inventory, Consignment Programs, and onsite vending services.
• Point of contact for escalation and primary negotiator to resolve mill issues with service providers.
• Lead continuous improvement to drive meaningful changes in process, supplier, or material to deliver value beyond price.
• Process purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and change orders to secure products and/or services as required. Evaluate, and implement orders where needed.
• Compiles data for mill and corporate reports as requested.

What you need to Succeed:

• 2–5 years of procurement or supply chain experience or bachelor's degree preferred, not required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and execute independently.
• Must be able to manage a project timeline & have capability to own and drive execution for projects in which other people contribute.
• Strong negotiation skills and attention to detail. Proficiency in computer skills including MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Proficiency in JD Edwards preferred.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.