Principal Specialist, Procurement

Safran S.A.; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran S.A. is seeking a Principal Procurement Specialist to lead indirect and direct purchasing, ensuring quality, delivery, and cost objectives are met. You will manage SAP POs, evaluate suppliers, and drive RFQ/RFP processes across domestic and international sites.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years in a procurement/supply chain function, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of MRP systems. Lean Six Sigma experience is a plus as you help implement site initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Supply Chain or related field; 5+ years in a Supply Chain role.
• Experience with purchasing principles and supplier negotiations.
• MRP systems knowledge; SAP experience preferred.
• Experience sourcing direct and indirect materials.
• Experience managing order scheduling and supplier performance.
• Experience managing projects and critical timelines to meet objectives.
• Experience conducting contract reviews.

Responsibilities

• Procure materials, supplies and services to meet quality, delivery and cost objectives.
• Manage and perform all functions of the purchase order process within SAP.
• Research, interview, monitor and evaluate suppliers for quality, delivery, total cost and service.
• Manage RFQ and RFP processes.
• Develop and monitor lean/six sigma purchasing procedures and policies; train as needed.
• Drive value engineering with key suppliers.
• Prepare and maintain purchasing reports, records and files.
• Ensure invoicing is processed timely and vendors paid correctly.
• Provide remote support to multiple suppliers/locations (domestic and international).
• Support and help implement supply chain initiatives at site.

Skills

Procurement

Supplier negotiations

SAP

MRP systems

Lean Six Sigma

Excel

Cross-functional collab

Education

Bachelor's in Business/Supply Chain

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Summary

The Principal Procurement Specialist is responsible for developing, executing, monitoring, and improving a supply chain that provides products and services that meet or exceed the quality, delivery and cost objectives of the business. All phases of the procurement function are to be performed with the highest level of professionalism, honesty, and integrity.

Essential Job Functions

• Responsible for assigned Indirect and Direct purchasing responsibilities.
• Procure materials, supplies and services to meet the quality, delivery and cost objectives of the business.
• Manage and perform all functions of the purchase order process within the SAP system.
• Research, interview, monitor and evaluate suppliers for quality, delivery, total cost and service.
• Manage and perform all functions of the RFQ and RFP processes.
• Develop, implement and monitor lean/six sigma purchasing procedures and policies. Train as necessary.
• Drive value engineering efforts with key suppliers.
• Prepare and maintain all purchasing reports, records, files and related material.
• Ensure all invoicing is processed timely and accurately so that vendors are paid correctly and on time.
• Ability to provide remote support to multiple suppliers and locations, domestic and international.
• Support and help implement supply chain initiatives at site.

Education/Experience

• A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Business Management, Supply Chain or related field of study and a minimum of 5 years prior experience in a Supply Chain role. Education requirements may be replaced year for year with additional relevant experience.
• Experience with purchasing principles and supplier negotiations.
• MRP systems knowledge and experience (SAP Experience preferred)
• Experience sourcing direct and indirect materials
• Experience managing order scheduling and supplier performance
• Experience managing projects and critical timelines to meet business objectives
• Experience conducting contract reviews

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient computer skills: MRP and Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Problem solving and organizational skills with the ability to multitask
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities
• Knowledge and ability to apply Lean Principles and Six-Sigma