What are the responsibilities and job description for the Procurement Specialist position at Smurfit Westrock?
The Opportunity:
The Procurement Specialist is responsible for the procurement of parts, labor & equipment to support the Hodge mill. The individual will work closely with internal customers (mill personnel), and external suppliers to secure products and/or services required for day-to-day Operations, Engineering & Maintenance of the mill. This position will develop Requests for Quote, review & evaluate bids, schedule meetings with prospective bidders & conduct negotiations, process & monitor Purchase Orders and deliveries. Orders are awarded based on Corporate Procurement Contracts/Agreements or Mill Purchasing Agreements. Work within established Mill and Corporate directives and guidelines. Perform functions needed for dispute resolution & problem solving. Pre-qualify “new” companies within Smurfit WestRock’s requirements for: supplying products, equipment and/or services. Develop creative supply chain solutions.
The responsibilities of the Purchasing Specialist include:
- Monitor and work with Operations, Maintenance & Engineering to ensure services, parts & equipment are ordered and delivered as needed.
- Research and contact alternate suppliers if scheduled deliveries do not meet mill user expectations.
- Review competitive supplier proposals for “best value” award decisions. Price is what we pay, Value is what we get.
- Run competitive bid sourcing events in Ariba.
- Contract implementation - including developing and negotiation of agreements working with legal, compliance, risk, supply chain and other stakeholders.
- Lead continuous improvement to drive meaningful changes in process, supplier or material to deliver value beyond price.
- Process purchase requisitions and orders to secure products and/or services as required. Evaluate and implement orders where needed.
- Coordinate and consult with internal and external customers regarding purchase requirements following corporate procurement guidelines.
- Compile data for mill and corporate reports as requested.
- Perform internal Smurfit Westrock audits and external supplier audits
What you Need:
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred, with three - five years of procurement, supply chain or relevant business experience.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to prepare and present solutions to demand requirements.
- Strong listening, negotiation skills & attention to detail.
- Ability to multi-task and continuously re-prioritize assigned duties.
- Self-directed with minimal supervision. Able to work independently &/or lead multi-discipline teams.
- Manage project timelines & capability to own and drive execution for projects in which other people contribute.
- Strong analytical and planning capabilities, as is the ability to summarize key issues and provide guidance to customers.
- Proficient computer skills including MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
- JDE/SAP background is desirable.
- Ariba Procurement and Sourcing experience preferred.
- Aligned with our company values of integrity, respect, accountability and excellence.
- Potential and desire to develop into a future succession candidate.