Procurement Specialist

Merric Millwork and Seating; O’Fallon (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Merric Millwork & Seating is seeking a Procurement Specialist to ensure materials for production are accurately specified, competitively sourced, and delivered on time. Reporting to the Director of Operations, this role supports uninterrupted manufacturing and installation across projects.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in procurement, strong vendor relationships, and proven ability to manage lead times, costs, and cross-functional communication to protect project profitability.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain.
• Experience in construction, millwork, or manufacturing preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in business-related field preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Review production releases and shop drawings for material requirements.
• Issue purchase orders aligned with project schedules.
• Confirm lead times, availability, and delivery with vendors.
• Develop and maintain vendor relationships and negotiate terms.
• Coordinate procurement with engineering, PMs, and production planning.
• Track material status and identify risks early.

Skills

Organization

Multitasking

Detail-oriented

Clear communication

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Education

Business-related degree preferred

3+ years procurement experience

Construction/millwork/manufacturing experience preferred

Job description

About Merric Millwork & Seating

Merric Millwork & Seating is a trusted leader in custom millwork and seating solutions, known for delivering high-quality craftsmanship and innovative design. We partner with clients across a variety of industries to create functional, durable, and visually compelling spaces.

At Merric, we take pride in our hands‑on approach, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence in everything we build. Our success is driven by a skilled and dedicated team that values collaboration, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement.

We believe our people are our greatest asset. That's why we foster a supportive, team‑oriented environment where employees are empowered to grow their skills, take ownership of their work, and contribute to meaningful projects.

If you're looking to be part of a company that values craftsmanship, teamwork, and pride in a job well done, Merric Millwork & Seating is the place for you.

Position Summary:

The Procurement Specialist, under the direction of the Director of Operations, is responsible for ensuring all materials required for production are accurately specified, competitively sourced, and delivered on time to support uninterrupted manufacturing and installation.

This role is critical to maintaining throughput to production, cost control, and schedule reliability across all projects.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

Procurement Execution

• Review approved production releases and shop drawings for material requirements
• Perform or validate material takeoffs for accuracy and completeness
• Issue purchase orders aligned with project schedules and priorities
• Confirm lead times, availability, and delivery schedules with vendors
• Ensures a Purchase Order Agreement is received for all items ordered

Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms
• Identify alternative vendors when supply risks arise
• Monitor vendor performance (cost, quality, reliability)
• Develops/Maintains a Vendor Scorecard and manages changes

Material Planning & Coordination

• Align procurement with production schedules and release dates
• Ensure long‑lead items are identified and ordered early
• Coordinate with Engineering on material specifications and substitutions
• Work with Project Managment team to resolve missing or unclear information

Risk Management

• Identify material risks (lead times, availability, cost escalation)
• Communicate risks early with proposed solutions
• Prevent last-minute expediting and premium freight whenever possible

Cross-Functional Communication

• Partner with:
  • Project Management (scope, timelines, priorities)
  • Engineering (specifications, approvals)
  • Production Planning (release schedules)
• Maintain clear, consistent updates on procurement status

Required Skills/Abilities:

Drives On-Time Material Availability to Support Production

• Ensure all materials are available in alignment with production schedules
• Eliminates material-related delays to fabrication and installation

Protects Project Profitability Through Strategic Purchasing

• Sources materials at competitive pricing
• Manages vendor relationships to control cost and lead times
• Negotiates favorable terms to ensure project has a positive cashflow

Ensures Accuracy and Completeness of Material Orders

• Verifies takeoffs, specifications, and scope alignment
• Prevents rework, shortages, and over-ordering

Maintains Clear Visibility of Material Status Across All Projects

• Tracks procurement status and communicates risks early
• Partners with PMs, Engineering, and Production Planning

Additional Must-Have Skills:

• Strong organizational and prioritization ability
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Attention to detail in specifications and takeoffs
• Clear and direct communication
• Problem‑solving under pressure
• Strong negotiation skills

Education and Experience:

• 3+ years in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain
• Experience in construction, millwork, or manufacturing preferred
• Familiarity with material lead times and vendor sourcing
• A bachelor's degree in a business-related field is preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements:

• This is an on‑site role requiring daily interaction with team members.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at Merric.

What Success Looks Like in This Role:

What Success Looks Like (90 Days)

• Clear visibility into all material status across projects
• Reduction in material-related production delays
• Improved coordination with PM, Engineering, and Production
• Vendor relationships established and performing

What Success Looks Like (Long-Term)

• Production is never waiting on materials
• Procurement is proactive, not reactive
• Material costs are controlled and predictable
• Procurement operates as a strategic function, not administrative