What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Specialist position at Karl Storz Endoscopy?
About KARL STORZ
From the operating room to surgery centers-and everywhere in between-KARL STORZ North America is a global leader in medical technology and advanced visualization solutions. We design specialty innovations, smart instruments and devices, integrated ecosystems, and intelligent imaging-to build a more connected, software-enabled operating room.
As an independent, family-owned MedTech company, we ambitiously think in generations instead of quarters to improve patients' lives around the world.
About the Role
We are seeking a Purchasing Specialist to deliver procurement services across multiple KARL STORZ locations. In this role, you will support colleagues throughout the purchasing lifecycle - from requisition to payment - while managing supplier relationships, vendor master data, and continuous improvement initiatives that drive year-over-year savings and ensure continuity of supply.
What You'll Do
- Process purchase requisitions from across the organization, converting them to purchase orders and communicating with suppliers and stakeholders.
- Track vendor acknowledgements and maintain up-to-date purchase order information including pricing and delivery.
- Monitor inventory levels and initiate replenishment orders for assigned products and material groups.
- Follow up with suppliers to ensure service levels are met; collaborate with Accounts Payable, Receiving, and suppliers to resolve invoice discrepancies.
- Support sourcing initiatives for new suppliers, products, and services; partner with internal business users to establish specifications and identify best-value suppliers.
- Contribute to cost-saving projects through analysis of product specifications, volume activity, service requirements, delivery, and payment terms.
- Manage vendor master data in SAP, including enrolling new suppliers into the Approved Supplier List (ASL) via DocuSign and performing periodic reviews of inactive vendors.
- Maintain supplier certificates and surveys, ensuring all required documentation and agreements are current.
- Train business users on procurement processes including requisition creation, new product development, and supplier enrollment.
- Write and update procedures, work instructions, and work aids as requirements evolve.
- Support compliance with the KARL STORZ Quality Program, CFR 820.50, and ISO 13485 standards.
- Provide coverage for Buyer Planner during extended absences; travel to KARL STORZ and vendor sites as needed.
What You Bring
- 3-5 years of experience in purchasing or a related role involving indirect or direct materials/services.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established timeframes.
- Working knowledge of SAP preferred.
What Will Make You Successful
- 5-10 years of relevant purchasing or supply chain experience.
- College degree or equivalent work experience.
- Experience with Tableau or other supply chain/analytics platforms.
- Familiarity with ISO 13485 standards and the medical device industry.
- Collaborative, solution-oriented mindset with a helpful and instructive approach to working with others.
Why KARL STORZ?
Play a key role in maintaining supply continuity and driving procurement efficiency across a global MedTech organization. Collaborate with diverse teams spanning Quality, Operations, Legal, Regulatory, and beyond, and build deep expertise in purchasing systems and compliance within a highly regulated, mission-driven industry.
For 80 years, KARL STORZ has pioneered the most groundbreaking innovations in endoscopic surgery, video imaging, and operating room integration. With more than 9,000 associates worldwide and 2,600 in the US, we pride ourselves on harnessing cutting-edge technology, precise workmanship, and unrivaled customer support to help healthcare facilities succeed. It's not just about the tools we create - it's about the lives we change, together.
Ready to make an impact? Apply to be our next Purchasing Specialist and help us build the future of MedTech together.
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KSEA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, KSEA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment.