Purchasing Specialist
Summary
The purchasing specialist position is responsible for the creation of purchasing orders for a wide variety of items including, but not limited to: supplies, equipment, components and services consistent with specified levels of quality, delivery and total cost; ensuring that all purchase orders are documented and administered in compliance with corporate procedures and policies. This position maintains relationships with numerous areas within the organizations, vendors and corporate associates.
The ideal candidate will have the ability to perform proper analysis to ensure accurate delivery of products and services while maintaining internal controls, operational excellence, and good customer service. The position reports to the Purchasing Team Lead.
Responsibilities

• Follow company procurement processes, controls and policies.
• Manage relationships with vendors.
• Request quotations and negotiate with vendors for best total cost (price, lead-time-delivery, service) up to approved limit.
• Places purchase orders utilizing Lawson Procurement module and performs all steps in the procurement process with extreme accuracy and care to avoid economic loss and customer dissatisfaction.
• Release reviewed and approved purchase orders to suppliers.
• Facilitate purchasing transaction activities ensuring that company purchasing controls are in place and transactions follow corporate policies.
• Receive approved requisitions and execute transactions in a timely and accurate manner.
• Validate purchase orders, review and correct all confirmations to decrease service errors.
• Ensure timely communication within the department, company and other stakeholders.
• Report any supplier performance issues in compliance with company guidelines.
• Participate in supplier dispute resolution for payables discrepancies, receiving discrepancies and unsatisfactory goods.
• Capable of making recommendations for policies, procedures and improvements which will improve effectiveness and efficiency
• Provide backup to the Senior Purchasing agent if needed.
• Assist in ad hoc projects when needed
• Provide assistance with vendor payables as needed.
• Behavioral - Self-motivated, team player, follows guidelines, treats others with respect. Holds self and others accountable. Communicates effectively. Manages conflict appropriately.

Requirements

• Minimum of two (2) years' experience in supply chain or procurement management
• Associates degree in Business Management (or similar field of study) OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of Lawson, other financial software programs, or vendor management software preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of basic business practices.
• Working knowledge of vendor management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to make decisions independently.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously and independently, while meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and management with tact and diplomacy.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Windows, MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Some project management experience.

The base compensation range represents the low and high end of the range for this position. Actual compensation will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to qualifications, skills, competencies, location, and experience. The range listed is just one component of our total compensation package for employees.
Other rewards may include an annual bonus, quarterly bonuses, commissions, and other long-term incentive compensation, depending on the position. National Life offers a competitive total rewards package which includes: a 401(k) retirement plan match; medical, dental, and vision insurance; a company funded wellness account for director and below employees; 10 paid holidays; a generous paid time off plan (22 days of combined time-off for non-exempt employees and exempt employees have discretion in managing their time, including scheduling time off in the normal course of business, but in no event will exempt employees receive less sick time than required by state or local law); 6 weeks of paid parental leave; and 6 weeks of paid family leave after a year of full-time employment.
National Life is accepting applications for this role on an ongoing basis and the role remains open until filled.
National Life Group® is a trade name of National Life Insurance Company, Montpelier, VT - founded in 1848, Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, Addison, TX - chartered in 1955, and their affiliates. Each company of National Life Group is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. Life Insurance Company of the Southwest is not an authorized insurer in New York and does not conduct insurance business in New York. Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, is a Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Adviser affiliate of National Life Insurance Company. All other entities are independent of the companies of National Life Group.
Fortune 1000 status is based on the consolidated financial results of all National Life Group companies.
National Life Group
1 National Life Dr
Montpelier, VT 05604
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