Position Title: Procurement Specialist
Duration: 12 Months with possibility of extension
Location: 601 W. Cornhusker Highway, Lincoln, NE 68521
Shift Hours: Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM

Position Summary:
The Procurement Specialist will be pivotal in supporting direct material sourcing projects related to Raw Materials or Packaging.
Responsibilities will encompass leading or supporting projects to achieve financial goals of the Customer, maintain quality, and ensure security of supply.
Procurement Specialist will collaborate with internal stakeholders to drive continuous improvement projects with suppliers as well as support new products and new product launches.

Position Responsibilities:
Procurement Sourcing : Leads the sourcing and contracting of direct Raw materials or Packaging materials as assigned.
Collaborates with Local Category Leads and Global Category Managers to execute projects in alignment with local and platform sourcing strategy.
Data Analysis: Compile and analyze statistical data to determine product feasibility and establish price objectives. Keep abreast of price trends and manufacturing processes.
Supplier Relations: Engage with suppliers to analyze their operations, determine factors influencing prices, and secure the lowest cost while maintaining quality, reliability, and adherence to schedules.
Contract Management: Prepare competitive bid packages, review proposals, negotiate prices, select or recommend suppliers, analyze trends, and maintain necessary records.
Conduct contract negotiation and maintenance to align with company objectives.
Communication: Maintain regular communication with various levels and groups throughout the organization.

Education and Experience:
•Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Chemistry, or related field. Significant experience in raw materials, chemicals, and packaging supplies may be considered in lieu of a degree.
•Three or more years of procurement experience.
•Negotiating skills and familiarity with procurement procedures.
•Excellent communication skills for effective interaction across all organizational levels.
•Strong facilitation skills in assessing technical and business issues and forming teams to address procurement opportunities.
•Excellent analytical skills.
•Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, Outlook).
•Experience with SAP or Ariba sytems a plus
•Experience with Change Control systems and processes a plus

Technical Skills and Competencies:
•Knowledge of applicable technical standards, techniques, principles, theories, concepts, and industry practices/standards, including company processes.
•Ability to provide solutions to moderate scope and complexity problems, referring to policies and practices for guidance.
•Ability to work under minimal supervision, following established procedures, and recommending actions. Work is reviewed for soundness of judgment, overall adequacy, and accuracy.

Physical Position Requirements:
Primarily office-based work (remote and in-person), with occasional filing and other light activities as necessary.
Position involves sitting, standing, and walking.
Work conditions involve over 50% stationary activities with periodic standing and walking throughout the workday.