Procurement Specialist

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• Lead sourcing initiatives for assigned categories, including RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs.
• Execute category strategies aligned with business objectives, focusing on cost optimization, supplier performance, risk mitigation, and value creation.
• Conduct spend analysis, supplier evaluations, market research, and benchmarking to identify sourcing opportunities.
• Lead supplier negotiations and support contract development and execution in partnership with Legal and business stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships while driving continuous improvement and innovation.

Procurement Operations & Process Excellence

• Support the adoption and optimization of the SAP Ariba procurement platform, leveraging system capabilities to improve efficiency, compliance, and user experience.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• Continuously evaluate and improve procurement workflows through digital solutions, process innovation, and automation.
• Support supplier onboarding, procurement governance, and operational improvement initiatives as needed.
• Assist in resolving procurement-related issues through collaboration with Finance, Accounts Payable, IT, Legal, ERP, and business teams.

Governance, Compliance & Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procurement procedures, industry regulations, delegated authority requirements, and SOX controls.
• Partner closely with Operations, Finance, Legal, and business leaders to align procurement activities with organizational goals.
• Lead cross-functional sourcing initiatives and facilitate stakeholder alignment throughout the procurement process.
• Represent Procurement in strategic projects and transformation initiatives across US and European markets.
• Develop and deliver training, guidance, and best practices to support procurement process adoption and compliance.

Required Qualifications

Education:

· Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, or a related field required.

Experience:

· 5 years of progressive procurement and strategic sourcing experience, including category management, supplier negotiations, competitive sourcing events, contract management, and stakeholder engagement.

· Preferred: 7 years in procurement and exposure to global markets (US and/or Europe).

· Experience working in cross-functional environments and driving initiatives with Finance, Legal, Operations, and business stakeholders.

· Strong knowledge of supplier management, contract management, SOX compliance, and valuation analysis.

Technical Skills

• Experience with SAP Ariba and ERP systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, spend analysis, pivot tables, lookups, and reporting.

· Working knowledge of procurement controls and SOX compliance requirements.

• Experience supporting procurement activities across multiple regions, preferably the U.S. and Europe.
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus.

Soft Skills & Success Profile

• Strong negotiation, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• Ability to lead sourcing initiatives and work independently with business stakeholders.
• Demonstrates ownership, accountability, and a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Comfortable managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communicator with the ability to build relationships across Procurement, Finance, Legal, and business teams.
• All candidates must live within a commutable distance from Providence, RI area