Purchasing Specialist

General Summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Purchasing Specialist I to join our procurement team. The successful candidate will play a critical role in managing the procurement of goods and services, ensuring cost effective purchasing in compliance with procurement policies and federal procurement regulations, and maintaining strong internal customer and supplier relationships. This position requires knowledge of procurement processes, excellent negotiation and customer service skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with various departments to meet organizational goals.

FLSA Status: Exempt

GTI Energy is where complex energy challenges meet bold solutions. With expertise in energy research, technology development, and business innovation, partners across every sector trust us to build and demonstrate solutions for better-performing energy systems. Guided by systems thinking, collaboration, and innovation, we are focused on driving progress that matters for people everywhere.

Being part of the GTI Energy team means being surrounded by people that are passionate and purpose driven, empowered to continuously learn, ask hard questions, and leverage their knowledge and experience to drive toward a greater purpose.

We offer generous benefits, competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. We prioritize and maintain a respectful culture, and we ensure reasonable accommodation is made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their role.

GTI Energy offers a competitive total rewards package including health coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. A high-level overview is available at: 2026 Benefits at a Glance GTI Energy

The position will be based in the Chicagoland area at the GTI Energy Headquarters. We offer a hybrid/core work week, where employees are remote Mondays and Fridays, and required to be on-site Tuesday through Thursday, subject to manager discretion.

• Coordinate the procurement of goods and services, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Examine departmental purchase requisitions for completeness and accuracy; resolving inconsistencies and missing information; determine method to process requisition based on dollar amount, timeline required, and type of purchase.
• Create and submit purchase orders to vendors; confirming prices, specifications, and delivery dates orders are placed and resolving purchasing issues with vendors.
• Perform compliance activities for purchase orders and subcontract agreements such as obtaining sole source justifications or copies of competitive bids, certificates of insurance, and other required documentation based on state and federal statutes, project-specific requirements, and internal policies and procedures.
• Set up, and onboard new vendors and maintain existing vendor information.
• Maintain adequate records to document compliance with regulatory and insurance requirements.
• Review and process change order requests. This includes analyzing change orders for completeness and accuracy of information and determining the method and steps to process the change order based on dollar amount, sponsor, timeliness required and type of purchase.
• Expedite order requests when priority shipment is required.

• Maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure timely delivery and quality of goods and services.
• Assess supplier performance and take actions address performance concerns.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Identify and mitigate procurement risks, including supply chain disruptions and supplier performance issues.

• Assist the Disbursement Cycle Manager in maintaining procurement policies and procedures.
• Support the onboarding of new procurement staff.

• Assist with month-end and year-end close, prepare relevant reconciliations and reports, and provide documentation for audits.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including finance, operations, and R&D, to align procurement activities with organizational goals.
• Communicate procurement strategies and updates to stakeholders effectively.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of procurement processes, policies and procedures and federal procurement standards.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills. Coordination and communication with program managers, vendors, auditors, and other key stakeholders is required.
• Ability to ensure customer satisfaction through process of monitoring, developing, improving, and delivering excellent service.
• Excellent computer skills including at least intermediate…