Procurement Specialist (Biotechnology)
Job Title: Procurement Specialist (Biotechnology)
Location: On-site in Bedford MA 01730
Employment Type: 1 year contract with potential to convert to a full-time permanent position
Level: Mid Level
Position Summary
The Procurement Specialist will be responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement lifecycle ensuring timely sourcing, purchasing, and vendor and contract management of goods and services that support research, development, and operational activities. This role ensures cost-effective purchasing while maintaining compliance with internal policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Purchasing
- Process purchase requisitions and issue purchase orders for laboratory supplies, equipment, consumables, and services, including administrative supplies and services
- Source and evaluate vendors for scientific, technical, and operational needs
- Obtain and compare quotes to ensure best value, quality, and delivery timelines
- Track order status, deliveries, and resolve discrepancies or issues
- Invoice Submission and Validation Support by reviewing and reconciling invoices
Vendor & Contract Management
- Manage and maintain relationships with approved vendors and suppliers
- Maintain accurate supplier records, certifications, and related documentation
- Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, and periodic re-evaluation in compliance with quality and regulatory standards
- Monitor supplier performance and elevate risks as needed
- Maintain accurate and complete contract records and related documentation
- Monitor contract expiration dates and proactively manage renewal timelines
- Ensure supplier compliance with contractual terms, pricing agreements, service-level agreements, company policies, and all agreed obligations, deliverables, milestones, and commercial commitments
Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure purchasing activities comply with company SOPs, requirements (as applicable), and financial controls
- Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier performance, contract list, documentation, and audit-ready files
- Support internal and external audits related to procurement activities
Cost & Spend Management
- Analyze supplier quotations, pricing trends, and total cost of ownership
- Identify and execute cost-saving, cost-avoidance, and cost and service improvement opportunities
- Track procurement savings, provide procurement reports and prepare periodic spend reports
- Purchasing forecasts
Collaboration & Support
- Partner with R&D, Finance, and Operations teams to forecast needs and align purchasing priorities
- Assist with inventory management and demand planning for critical materials
- Develop and maintain BPM and SAP Ariba system user manuals, standard operating procedures, and training materials; conduct periodic refresher training and system onboarding for new employees
- Identify system and process improvement opportunities and coordinate system enhancements to improve efficiency, accuracy, and user experience to optimize workflows and system functionality
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Life Sciences, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 2-5 years of procurement or purchasing experience, preferably in biotech, pharma, life sciences, or regulated industries
- Familiarity with laboratory supplies, scientific equipment, or research services
- Strong organizational, communication, and negotiation skills
- Prior experience/knowledge on ARIBA and SAP S4/HANA platform, Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred
- Knowledge of supplier qualification and quality documentation
- Experience working in early-stage or fast-growing biotech companies
- Proficiency in Excel pivot tables, V-Lookup, etc.