Procurement Specialist

Come join the Tillamook Team, one of the fastest-growing dairy brands in the US, where we Play to Win to create over 200 dairy products in 7 different categories: cheese, ice cream, yogurt, sour cream, butter, cream cheese and frozen meals.
Uncompromising Quality has led us to become the #1 Cheddar, #2 Cream Cheese and #3 Family Size Ice Cream brand, but we’re not stopping there. We’re loading up for our best years to come and want you to join us.

As a farmer-owned cooperative since 1909, we know that being Good Stewards for our stakeholders and doing a little extra always pays off. We’re looking for team members with a One Team and Genuine Care mindset who are inspired to share the delight of the Tillamook brand with each other and others every day.

** Please note that this posting is for a 12‑month contract position. This is a temporary, project‑specific assignment with a predetermined duration. Nothing in this posting or assignment should be interpreted as a guarantee of employment or consideration for future permanent roles**

The Procurement Specialist will join the Purchasing Team to support as a long‑term temporary placement anticipated to be approximately 10-15 months and will be responsible for the efficient purchase of supplies & services for the production, maintenance, and administration departments by reviewing purchase orders submitted for compliance with TCCA policy, issuing purchasing orders against pre‑negotiated supply contracts, tracking the status of orders, and approving invoices for payment.

This role is responsible for the operational execution of a high volume of purchase orders critical to support 3+ manufacturing sites and may focus on Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) and purchasing raw materials as well as placing purchase orders for indirect Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) components & services. Additional responsibilities may include RFP’s, supporting functions direct buying areas or other buying functions depending on need and candidate’s experience level.

Job scope may change as business needs evolve. The Procurement Specialist will be proactive in quickly onboarding to deliver value, develop cross‑functional relationships and to understand TCCA processes.

The successful candidate demonstrates outstanding internal customer service and proactive communication of supply concerns, actions, progress, and deliverables in cross‑functional forums and by working directly with suppliers, Operations, Finance, Quality Assurance/Quality Control, and Supply Chain colleagues. Additional responsibilities include expediting back orders and urgent delivery requests, negotiating freight requirements, and costs with Suppliers, making purchase decisions on materials from approved suppliers based on the best price and availability, and contributing to the annual Supply Chain cost savings commitments by seeking cost savings opportunities and effective negotiating.

This role’s requirements include critical steps in the timely and accurate delivery of purchased goods.

The ideal candidate has a proven track record of purchasing materials and supplies including managing supplier relationships, conducting new supplier searches, Requests for Proposal (RFP) and Requests for Quote (RFQ), while developing outstanding cross‑functional partnerships. The role is generally independent and collaborative in nature. The Procurement Specialist gains exposure to some complex tasks within the purchasing department. May work independently while occasionally directed in several aspects of the role.

• Is responsible for the operational execution of a high volume of purchase orders for 3+ manufacturing sites including reviewing, approving, and submitting purchase orders for purchases of supplies, materials and/or services.
• Makes purchase decisions on materials from approved suppliers based on the best price and availability.
• Negotiates shipping requirements and freight costs.
• Prepares and issues purchase orders and change notices.
• Expedites overdue and back ordered items.
• Reconciles purchase orders and invoices for accuracy of the correct item, quantity received,…