Purchasing Specialist

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
  
  

Required

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
  
  

Preferred

• 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 Join Us

• 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
• Build deep expertise in purchasing systems and compliance within a highly regulated, mission-driven industry
  
  

Who We Are

KARL STORZ is an independent, family-owned company headquartered in Germany's renowned MedTech manufacturing region. For 80 years, we've pioneered the most groundbreaking innovations in endoscopic surgery, video imaging, and operating room integration to benefit patients and healthcare providers alike.

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. With onsite locations and field opportunities across the country, we attract a diverse and talented staff. It's not just about the tools we create — it's about the lives we change, together.