What are the responsibilities and job description for the Procurement & Sourcing Specialist position at Niowave Inc.?
Procurement & Sourcing Specialist
Who we are…
We are a team of scientists, engineers, technicians, and innovators dedicated to changing the world by developing medical isotopes to treat and eradicate cancer. We believe in building an environment where collaboration, curiosity, and camaraderie thrive. We also enjoy darts, cornhole, ping-pong, chili cook-offs, and other fun events that makes our company a community where we make a life, not just a living.
Who you are…
You are someone who enjoys bringing structure, foresight, and good judgment to complex purchasing decisions. You naturally look beyond the immediate transaction to understand how cost, timing, quality, supplier performance, and business needs connect.
You are collaborative and relationship-oriented. You are a thoughtful and confident negotiator who can balance Niowave’s interests with the importance of building strong, reliable supplier partnerships. You value accuracy and accountability, while also looking for opportunities to improve processes, use data more effectively, and anticipate risks before they become problems. Words that describe you include resourceful, analytical, collaborative, accountable, pragmatic, and dependable.
What you can expect to work on…
The Procurement & Sourcing Specialist oversees end-to-end procurement across production materials, non-production goods and services, Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) materials, facility needs, and capital equipment. This role partners to ensure reliable supply, effective supplier relationships, compliant purchasing practices, and cost-effective acquisition of goods, services, and long-term capital assets across Niowave’s operations.
- Manages and sources end-to-end procurement of raw materials, components, MRO materials, equipment, and services to support Niowave’s production schedules, research and development programs, facility operations, maintenance needs, and new product launches
- Leads procurement of capital assets, including production equipment, facility upgrades, and technology systems, from requirements development through supplier selection, contracting, delivery, installation, and post-purchase support
- Collaborates with engineering, operations, maintenance, finance, and other stakeholders to define purchasing and CAPEX requirements, develop RFPs/RFQs, evaluate supplier proposals, and support long-range business needs
- Negotiates pricing, contracts, delivery terms, warranty provisions, lease arrangements, and other commercial terms to achieve cost savings, manage risk, and secure reliable supply
- Analyzes historical usage, forecasts, production plans, and maintenance requirements to optimize inventory levels, anticipate demand, and reduce risk of production downtime
- Manages supplier/vendor performance including on-time delivery in full, quality issues, invoicing, purchase price variance (PPV), installation timelines, warranty terms, and post-purchase support
- Coordinates with logistics to manage required documentation, delivery schedules, customs clearance, installation logistics, and contract compliance for imported equipment and materials
What you need to succeed…
- Embraces and models the Niowave Core Values of Teamwork, Courage, Integrity, and Upright Zeal
- Understands how to integrate into a new team/organization – appreciates the history of current state, know how and when to make suggestions, as well as using just the right pace to reach the improved future state
- Understands your own communication and learning styles, can assess others’ styles, and is able to find the right path to best connect with colleagues
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field
- 6 - 8 years of progressively responsible procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience across direct materials, indirect goods and services, MRO, facilities, and/or capital equipment; experience spanning multiple procurement disciplines is strongly valued
- Demonstrated experience with the following:
- Negotiating supplier contracts, commercial terms, and complex purchases; experience with high-value capital equipment or projects preferred
- Formal purchasing management software (e.g., ERP/MRP systems) and maintaining accurate purchasing or supplier master data
- Managing supplier performance, sourcing initiatives, competing priorities, and cross-functional procurement projects
- Application of continuous improvement principles to procurement, materials, or supply chain processes
- Managing regulated-industry procurement requirements, compliance expectations, and best practices
- Hands-on utilization of lean manufacturing principles for continuous process improvements (Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, 5S)
Great to have…
- 10 years of progressively responsible procurement or supply chain experience; particularly experience spanning direct, indirect, MRO/facilities, and capital equipment procurement
- CPIM, CSCP, ISM, CPP or similar supply chain certification
- Experience with the following:
- Life Sciences or Medical Device Industry
- NRC or FDA-regulated industry (e.g., pharmaceuticals, medical devices, nuclear materials, or similar)
- Quality systems and regulated procurement environments
- ERP implementation
Other things to know…
- Full-time position
- The company’s standard operating hours are Monday thru Friday 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. with production related activities requiring 24/7/365 shifts
- This position will have regular working hours Monday - Friday within the standard operating hours
- There is an expectation of adjusting working hours outside the standard hours to meet operational requirements as needed
- Niowave has multiple locations within the Lansing area and travel between locations is expected in the role
- Additional travel related to supply acquisition, vendor management, etc. may be required
Please provide a cover letter specifically describing the nature of your background and experience as it relates to this position.