Procurement Specialist

Katalyst CRO; Vacaville (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Katalyst CRO is seeking an experienced Buyer (Procurement Specialist) to support operational procurement activities and supplier performance management. The role focuses on material availability, SAP master data accuracy, and PO processing to ensure business continuity.

Ideal candidates will have direct materials procurement experience, SAP purchasing process knowledge, and strong data analysis capabilities. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to drive procurement efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in operational procurement or supply chain management.
• Experience purchasing direct materials/raw materials.
• Hands-on experience with SAP ERP in a procurement environment.
• Strong knowledge of the PR to PO process.
• Advanced Excel and data reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and audit purchasing records, POs, supplier information, and master data in SAP.
• Ensure accurate SAP data to support MRP and PO execution.
• Review supplier agreements and materials data; support supplier strategies.
• Independent daily purchasing workflows with minimal supervision.

Skills

Procurement

SAP

Data Analysis

Excel

Vendor Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, or related field

Tools

BI Tools

Job description

• We are seeking an experienced Buyer (Procurement Specialist) to support operational procurement activities and supplier performance management. This role is responsible for ensuring material availability, maintaining accurate procurement master data in SAP, managing purchase order processes, and partnering with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support business continuity.
• The ideal candidate will have strong experience in direct materials procurement, SAP purchasing processes, supplier management, and data analysis. This position requires a proactive problem solver who can independently manage purchasing activities while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Job Description

• We are seeking an experienced Buyer (Procurement Specialist) to support operational procurement activities and supplier performance management. This role is responsible for ensuring material availability, maintaining accurate procurement master data in SAP, managing purchase order processes, and partnering with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support business continuity.
• The ideal candidate will have strong experience in direct materials procurement, SAP purchasing processes, supplier management, and data analysis. This position requires a proactive problem solver who can independently manage purchasing activities while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

Procurement & SAP Management

• Maintain and audit purchasing records, purchase orders, supplier information, and procurement master data within SAP.
• Ensure accurate SAP data to support Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and efficient purchase order execution.
• Review and maintain supplier agreements, material data, and purchasing documentation.
• Support category managers and strategic buyers in executing supplier strategies and initiatives.

Supplier & Vendor Management

• Monitor supplier performance and provide feedback to strategic buyers and category managers.
• Manage supplier communications related to delivery, quality, pricing, and fulfillment issues.
• Handle vendor escalations, including:
• Late or missing purchase order confirmations
• Delivery date changes (MRP-driven pull-ins and push-outs)
• Delivery and shipping issues
• Pricing discrepancies
• Drive supplier improvements related to on-time delivery, quality compliance, and performance metrics.
• Manage supplier returns, including RMAs, cost recovery, and replacement activities.
• Conduct regular supplier open-order review meetings.

Purchasing Operations & Analytics

• Independently manage daily purchasing workflows with minimal supervision.
• Extract, analyze, and manipulate procurement data to create actionable reports and insights.
• Support procurement reporting, supplier performance tracking, and operational improvements.
• Collaborate with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice-related issues.

Strategic Procurement Support

• Support supplier changes, onboarding activities, and approval processes for new raw materials and suppliers.
• Lead competitive bidding activities and RFx processes according to procurement policies.
• Support negotiations for low-value supplier contracts.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure supply continuity and procurement efficiency.
• Train and mentor junior team members as needed.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in operational procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management.
• Experience purchasing direct materials/raw materials.
• Hands-on experience with SAP ERP in a procurement or purchasing environment.
• Strong knowledge of the Purchase Requisition (PR) to Purchase Order (PO) process.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience using business intelligence/data reporting tools.
• Experience managing suppliers and resolving procurement-related issues.
• Experience conducting competitive bidding processes and supplier negotiations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting manufacturing, life sciences, or regulated industries.
• APICS certification or equivalent MRP/planning certification.
• Experience with supplier performance management and procurement analytics.

Education

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and vendor relationship management skills.
• Customer-focused mindset with strong follow-through.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn new processes and systems.