Purchasing Procurement Specialist Contract

Blue Star Partners LLC; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 34,440 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement firm is looking for a Procurement Specialist to support the Generation business unit. Responsibilities include managing sourcing initiatives and supplier relationships, resolving procurement issues, and improving procurement processes. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems. This role offers a hybrid work model based in Valparaiso, IN with competitive pay ranging from $25 to $28 per hour.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience required.
• Strong analytical skills for supplier proposal analysis.
• Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications essential.
• Ability to work independently and manage sourcing tasks.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing and procurement initiatives for Schahfer Generation Station.
• Manage end-to-end RFP process including negotiation and supplier selection.
• Partner with business units to execute supplier agreements.
• Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies effectively.
• Identify opportunities for procurement process improvement.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation capabilities

Collaboration

Communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Problem-solving

Organization

Sourcing methodologies

ERP systems knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Word

PeopleSoft

Ariba

Job description

Job Title: Procurement Specialist
Location: Valparaiso, IN
Work Model: Hybrid – Onsite Tuesday–Thursday | Remote Monday & Friday
Rate: $25–$28/hr (W-2)
Contract Length: Through End of Year (Strong Possibility of Extension)
Employment Type: W-2 Only – U.S. Citizens Only (No Visa Sponsorship)

Position Overview

We are seeking a Procurement Specialist to support sourcing and supply chain activities for the Generation business unit at the Schahfer Generation Station. This role plays a key part in ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of parts, materials, and services required to support generation operations.

The Procurement Specialist will manage sourcing projects, coordinate supplier relationships, resolve procurement and invoice issues, and help strengthen the company’s supplier network. This role operates in a fast-paced environment and requires strong analytical thinking, negotiation capabilities, and the ability to collaborate across business units.

The Procurement Specialist reports to the Manager of Category Management and partners closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and supply chain teams to ensure efficient procurement execution.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Sourcing Execution

• Lead sourcing and procurement initiatives supporting the Schahfer Generation Station.
• Ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of parts, materials, and services.
• Coordinate procurement activities across internal business units and suppliers.
• Monitor procurement timelines and proactively plan sourcing activities to meet operational needs.

RFP & Supplier Management

• Independently manage the end-to-end RFP process , including:
• Negotiation support and supplier selection
• Analysis of supplier proposals
• Creation and distribution of RFP documentation
• Development of business requirements and evaluation criteria
• Supplier outreach and communication
• Facilitate supplier evaluation with stakeholders based on total value and total cost of ownership.
• Identify and onboard new and diverse suppliers to expand the supplier base.

Contracting & Purchase Order Management

• Partner with business units to negotiate and execute supplier agreements and purchase order terms.
• Support bid evaluation and make well-supported sourcing recommendations.
• Coordinate procurement documentation and ensure compliance with company policies.

Procurement Operations & Issue Resolution

• Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies and procurement issues.
• Review procurement transactions and ensure data accuracy within ERP systems.
• Communicate effectively with suppliers and internal teams to resolve operational issues.

Process Improvement & Performance

• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes and operational efficiency.
• Support cost savings initiatives and operational targets.
• Ensure compliance with Supply Chain governance, policies, and procedures.
• Track procurement performance metrics and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Strong ability to analyze supplier proposals and make well-supported bid award decisions.
• Demonstrated negotiation and supplier engagement skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Experience executing procurement tasks independently with minimal oversight.
• Knowledge of sourcing methodologies and procurement best practices.
• Experience using procurement or ERP systems such as PeopleSoft, Ariba, or similar platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2–4 years of procurement or sourcing experience
• Experience supporting industrial, manufacturing, or energy environments
• Experience managing sourcing projects or procurement initiatives
• Project management experience or exposure to project-based procurement work

Success in This Role

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Ability to manage sourcing activities efficiently and meet procurement timelines
• Strong supplier relationships and effective negotiation outcomes
• Accurate and timely procurement transactions and documentation
• Proactive identification of cost savings and process improvements
• Strong collaboration with internal stakeholders and supply chain teams