Procurement Specialist - NO C2C

Procurement Specialist – No C2C

Location: Chicago, IL – 3 days onsite

Duration: Contract until 9/4/2025

Pay: $45-$51 per hour

Position Overview:

We are seeking a seasoned Procurement Specialist to lead strategic sourcing initiatives across multiple categories. This individual will drive supplier performance, reduce costs, mitigate risks, and enhance service levels through expert contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and the execution of best-in-class procurement strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Purchase equipment, tools, parts, supplies, and services required for company operations.
• Analyze market trends and delivery systems to assess present and future material availability.
• Develop and implement purchasing and contract management policies, procedures, and instructions.
• Direct and coordinate procurement activities, including supplier negotiations and vendor management.
• Identify, evaluate, and select vendors based on criteria such as availability, terms of sale, and compliance with company policies.
• Review purchase orders and contracts for alignment with internal requirements and policy standards.
• Execute RFIs and RFPs; document bid events, develop selection criteria, and lead cross-functional teams in supplier selection.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies that support continuous cost reduction, improved lead times, risk mitigation, and enhanced supplier performance.
• Lead complex supplier negotiations and support performance improvement initiatives through structured scorecards and KPIs.
• Benchmark and analyze performance metrics against budget and industry trends to demonstrate continuous improvement.
• Manage ongoing supplier relationships, including regular reviews, complaint resolution, and implementation of improvement strategies.
• Leverage spend data and analytics to develop and defend category strategies and decisions.
• Coordinate sourcing activities in alignment with capital project initiatives and business unit goals.
• Champion regular category review meetings with cross-functional teams to ensure strategy alignment and performance management.

Required Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Strong negotiation skills and a strategic mindset.
• Deep understanding of financial analysis, supplier risk, and cost structures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel); experience with procurement and ERP tools is a plus.
• Solid knowledge of supply chain management, purchasing regulations, and contract law.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Experience in managing and mentoring procurement teams or cross-functional sourcing teams.

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field is required.
• Certifications such as CPSM, CPPM, or CPP are preferred.

Experience:

• 8–10 years of finance or procurement-related experience, including strategic sourcing, supplier management, and category execution.

Benefits:

Solving IT, a Woman and LGBTQ owned and operated organization is thrilled to provide a comprehensive benefit package to all our W2 employees and their families, regardless of gender. We are proud to offer five diverse health plan options as well as a PPO dental plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield, Term Life/AD&D Insurance, and a 401(k) Savings Plan. Solving IT covers a portion of the health and dental premiums for our employees.

As you progress in your professional journey, Solving IT is dedicated to accommodating your evolving preferences and matching you with fulfilling projects. We champion equality and embrace diversity in all its forms. Creating an atmosphere that encourages varied perspectives to collaborate fosters personal development, strengthens team unity, and contributes to the overall success of the organization!

Whether you're seeking your next career challenge or aiming to stay abreast of industry trends, Solving IT is committed to supporting your career advancement. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and utilize the most up-to-date market insights and compensation data to ensure that you receive not just advice, but the complete Solving IT Experience.