Purchasing Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Purchasing Specialist to join our team in Houston, Texas. In this Contract to permanent position, you will play a key role in managing procurement activities, forecast building and analysis, ensuring the efficient acquisition of goods and services, and building strong vendor relationships. This role requires a proactive individual with a strong understanding of purchasing policies, contract management, and cost-saving strategies.

Responsibilities :

• Manage the procurement of goods and services to support organizational operations efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Conduct competitive analyses to identify and recommend the best vendors for required products and services.
• Negotiate with vendors to secure favorable pricing, terms, and conditions while fostering strong business relationships.
• Monitor vendor performance to ensure quality, control costs, and address any service-related issues or risks.
• Analyze supply and service consumption patterns to establish optimal re-order points and manage inventory effectively.
• Collaborate with suppliers and sales teams to minimize dead stock and optimize material usage.
• Resolve issues that arise during the purchasing process, including handling returns of defective or incorrect items.
• Review and establish agreements with new vendors while ensuring compliance with company policies and industry standards.
• Develop and implement cost-saving initiatives to optimize procurement processes and reduce expenses.
• Maintain accurate records of purchase requests, approvals, and orders using appropriate tracking systems.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in purchasing or procurement roles.
• High school diploma required; a bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of purchasing principles, policies, regulations, and best practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced formulas, and other Microsoft Office applications. (Must demonstrate proficiency in Excel through a live assessment, including the ability to extract and manipulate data from an ERP system and build accurate forecasting models. This skill should be applied regularly in the role to support data-driven procurement decisions.)
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with vendors and internal teams.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% as needed for vendor meetings or other business purposes.