Make A Difference In Your Community! 

Procurement Specialist Opportunity

Pay range for this role is 50k-55k annually

The Procurement Specialist supports the Association’s dedication to equitable, responsible purchasing by assisting in purchasing efforts, contract negotiations, requests for interest/quotes/proposals, and use of our P2P system. This role will primarily serve our internal community in day-to-day purchasing support and will be a subject matter expert on procurement policies and practices. In addition, this person will interface as necessary with various departments. This position is a hybrid role with a mix of in office and at home work days. 

The Y offers a variety of impactful programming to all ages and families. Following the Y's impact for more than 150 years, the mission of the YMCA of Metro Chicago is to develop strong children, families, and communities across Metropolitan Chicago through academic readiness, character development, violence prevention, fitness, and healthy living. 

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees 
• Opportunity for eligible employees to participate in the Y's retirement fund 
• Be part of a team that is passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable environment for all staff, volunteers, and members
• Do meaningful work and contribute to the advancement of the YMCA vision by meeting the needs of the people in our communities
• Complimentary Adult YMCA membership and an employee discount on select programs
• Career advancement opportunities - grow your career at the Y!

Responsibilities: 

• Provide service to internal community in day-to-day purchasing support and use of our Procure-to-pay (P2P) system.
• Support Procurement Department’s role in YMCA’s EDI initiatives and supplier diversity efforts
• Assist with and provide support for vendor selection, contract negotiations, and requests for interest/quotes/proposals
• Maintain vendor database, reviewing new vendors to ensure vendor information is current and up to date. Performs P2P data input, vendor follow up, and invoice processing This also includes monitoring, updating and maintaining vendor accounts
• Research and evaluate goods and services to identify new/better options for purchase. This role also supports Procurement Department’s goal to provide specific departments with supply catalogs and vendor stables.
• Assist in cost-saving and equity-focused efforts such as: researching new vendors, identifying preferred vendors, and streamlining purchasing procedures
• Collaborate closely with individuals and departments to accommodate increased needs during seasonal increases in demand
• Maintain purchasing request inbox
• Assist with purchase order receipt and invoice reconciliation as needed
• Supports the mission and activities of the team and YMCA as assigned

Minimum Requirements & Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related and/or equivalent experience preferred
• 1 years of experience in a purchasing/procurement position for multi-location organization; experience with a P2P system preferred
• Intermediate to advanced PC and Microsoft Office, advanced skills in Microsoft Excel experience a plus
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present insights in a clear, concise manner and adapt communication to audience
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to complete tasks quickly and accurately
• Organizational and project skills with the demonstrated ability to accomplish daily tasks in addition to long-range projects
• Ability to travel locally (10%) to other YMCA locations when needed

All YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago employees are required to support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required

YMCA Vaccine Policy

We’re committed to the health and wellness of our employees, members, program participants, and those most vulnerable. If hired by the YMCA, you will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination no later than 2 days prior to your start date, unless an exemption for a medical condition or sincerely-held religious beliefs is granted.