JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Procurement Manager, the Procurement Specialist plays a pivotal role in ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of procurement processes and operational activities within the organization. Key responsibilities include interpreting data to identify trends and deviations, reconciling transactions through analysis, and maintaining comprehensive operational reporting for management review. This role involves reviewing ERP reporting for accuracy, managing vendor relationships from onboarding to maintenance, and overseeing purchasing processes to fulfill departmental needs. Additionally, this position assists with managing open orders, monitoring vendor performance, and ensuring timely deliveries.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Interprets data to identify trends and deviations from established standards. Conducts transaction reconciliations through data analysis.

2. Maintains monthly and weekly operational reporting, offering detailed variance analysis for management review when necessary.

3. Reviews ERP reporting for errors or inconsistencies, and takes corrective actions as needed.

4. Manages vendor relationships, from onboarding and direct engagement to ongoing maintenance.

5. Oversees the purchasing processes, including reviewing and approving purchases as required.

6. Conducts product sourcing and procurement activities to fulfill the needs of the school or support department.

7. Effectively manages open orders, collaborating with vendors, monitoring performance, and ensuring timely deliveries.

8. Reviews that supplier payments are in alignment with organizational policies and procedures.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities with mindset geared toward effective resolution.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint)

• Must be able to trouble shoot, problem solve, and be a critical thinker.

• Must have strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.

• Ability to follow-up on actions based on various team projects.

• High attention to detail, completing responsibilities accurately, and in a timely manner.

• Experience working in a fast-paced, high change environment.

• Must have high organizational skills in managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Ability to perform and manage technically complex projects using independent judgment and personal initiative.

• Ability to build strong internal and external relationships using effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Must be able to recognize and act on opportunities; prioritization, task-shifting, and adaptation skills.

• Ability to work independently without regular direct supervision.

• Must be a provider of excellent customer service.

• Understanding of early childhood industry preferred but not required.

• Requires the ability to read, write and speak effectively in English.

• Must maintain a high ethical standard.

Education or equivalency:

• Requires a high school diploma or GED.

Experience:

• Must have a minimum of two (2) years of procurement related experience that demonstrates an understanding of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.