Senior Procurement Specialist

Sr. Procurement Category Specialist – Direct Materials

Join this dynamic team focused on delivering better nutrition for every step of life’s journey

The Opportunity

The Sr. Procurement Category Specialist will be accountable for providing both tactical and strategic support. Strategic responsibilities will include developing and executing regional procurement strategies and leveraging foundational procurement principals to ensure continuity of supply, superior cost management and uncompromising stewardship. Tactical activities include daily management tasks of assigned categories including quality and supply assurance issues, supplier relationship management, contract adherence and pricing reconciliation.

The role will also act as a back-up for other procurement specialist roles for system administration and act as a back-up for Category Managers as needed. This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 2 days in the Downers Grove, IL office and will report to the Sr. Category Manager.

Essential Functions

• Cultivate deep understanding of assigned categories to be able to identify and quantify risks and opportunities.
• Develop a pipeline of projects, working with leadership and key stakeholders to align resources for support as needed.
• Required to develop and present category strategies to leadership. A strategic mindset is a critical skill in this role to ensure a total cost of ownership for each category.
• Demonstrate ability to model various business scenarios and analyze resulting costs, impacts, risks, and benefits to inform and recommend business solutions.
• Understanding of financial measurement; ability to identify and quantify legitimate areas of business benefit (cost savings, avoidance, client satisfaction, quality improvement, etc.)
• Lead sourcing activities for category managers, including inquiries, negotiations, RFQ-management, supplier follow-up, etc. as required to meet the business need.
• Support savings tracking processes, measure contract compliance and other key metrics to ensure targets are being met and value is being delivered to the business.
• Exhibit ability to know when and how to escalate to management in order to make best use of both Glanbia and Supplier resources.
• Establish a reputation built on trust and credibility both internal and external to the business.
• Travel Requirements: 0-10%;
  Some travel required for supplier meetings, internal manufacturing site visits and trade shows.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Demonstrated Procurement Knowledge: Understanding the procurement process, from identifying needs and supplier selection to negotiating contracts and managing relationships. A strong foundation in procurement principles is crucial.
• Analytical
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to analyze complex data, compare supplier offers, and evaluate performance. Understanding cost structures and being able to derive insights “tell a story” with data is key.
• Problem-Solving
  
  Skills:
  
  The ability to quickly identify problems or challenges in the procurement process (such as delays or discrepancies) and find practical solutions.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  The ability to clearly communicate with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and team members. Writing clear emails, reports, and making presentations are important in this role.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring that procurement activities, contracts, and data delivered is accurate.
• Time Management: Superior organization to allow managing multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently.
• Project Management
  
  Skills:
  
  Being able to manage small projects or tasks within the procurement process, such as sourcing, risk mitigation, or supplier management, in a timely and organized manner.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Building rapport with suppliers and handling day-to-day communications/operational requirements.
• Understanding of Market
  
  Conditions:
  
  Knowledge of the industry and market trends relevant to responsible category support. This includes understanding factors that affect pricing and availability.
• Collaboration: Requires significant interaction and cooperation with those outside of Procurement including suppliers, supply chain, R&D and others.
• A…