Category Specialist

Primary Purpose

This job involves maintaining the purchasing system(s) to align with strategic decisions and contracts to prevent erosion of savings initiatives and reduce risk of rogue spending. This includes updating item data, purchase pricing, preferred and alternative approved suppliers, purchasing transaction controls and new supplier requests. Works cross functionally with other departments to initiate system requisitions that support buying contracts implemented by Category Managers such as CO2 (dry ice), pallets, antimicrobials, etc. Activities will also include supporting Category Managers with research and analysis of primary spend categories, usage and savings reporting, packaging artwork and approvals and new supplier qualifying.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

1. Updating purchasing system(s) item data, purchase pricing, preferred and alternative approved suppliers and purchasing transaction controls to prevent erosion of cost saving initiatives and prevent rogue spending.
2. Processing new supplier requests and potential supplier pre-vetting, processing packaging artwork changes and bill of material updates.
3. Market research and analyses; lead spend, contract and research for designated categories, assess supplier capabilities and identify new sources of supply.
4. Initiate system requisitions that support buying contracts implemented by Category Managers such as CO2 (dry ice), pallets, antimicrobials, etc.
5. Maintain a safe and positive work environment in compliance with OSHA, company standards, local, state and federal requirements.

Qualifications

• Relevant procurement and negotiation experience or a Bachelor’s degree.
• 1 - 2 years' relevant experience.
• Microsoft Operating Systems, Oracle, SAP or other ERP Software.
• Analytics and data management experience. 

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