Procurement Specialist (On-site)

Kaplan Early Learning Company; Lewisville (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaplan Early Learning Company is seeking a Procurement Specialist (On-site) to join our supply chain team. This role focuses on high-volume purchases, inventory monitoring, and vendor management across product categories. You will analyze sales history, forecast demand, create purchase orders, and negotiate with 100+ vendors, including import vendors.

Schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, on-site. The ideal candidate has 2–5 years purchasing experience, strong Excel skills (VLOOKUP,

Qualifications

• BS degree preferred or equivalent training / experience.
• Minimum of 2 to 5 years purchasing/planning experience.
• Strong understanding of procurement and negotiation techniques.
• Extensive experience working with MS Office, HubSpot; strong Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, complex formulas).
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload as conflicts arise.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Must be a self-starter, motivated, reliable and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of Kaplan products a plus.

Responsibilities

• Execute high-volume product purchases to meet pricing, quality, and shipping targets.
• Monitor inventory replenishment and analyze reports to determine procurement needs.
• Prepare and process purchase orders across product categories.
• Minimize backorders and achieve fill-rate targets.
• Build and maintain vendor relationships.
• Resolve procurement issues with vendors and internal teams.

Skills

Procurement techniques

Negotiation

Excel

Analytical skills

Prioritization

Detail oriented

Interpersonal skills

Self-starter

Kaplan products knowledge

Education

BS degree or equivalent experience

Tools

MS Office

HubSpot

Excel (advanced)

Job description

Kaplan Early Learning Company is seeking to hire a Procurement Specialist (On-site).

For over 50 years, Kaplan Early Learning Company has been a champion for children. From our research-based curricula to enriching classroom environments and innovative technology solutions, Kaplan's products and services inspire a lifelong love of learning in children and educators. At Kaplan, we come to work every day knowing that we are making an impact on children, families, and educators not only in our local communities, but around the world!

We are a national leader in the early childhood educational market, and we remain focused on what makes our organization different - Our People! If you are looking to join an organization where your talents are recognized, we're the team to join. It's often said when you join the Kaplan team you never want to leave - so prepare yourself to partner with a passionate staff who celebrates an average tenure of 15 plus years!

About The Position

Procurement Specialists are key members of Kaplan's supply chain management team. This position is responsible for the procurement of high-volume products and maintaining inventory levels across all product categories. Responsible for analyzing sales history, forecast and PO management, including, but not limited to purchase quantity, purchase order creation, negotiations and problem-solving with approximately 100+ vendors, including some import vendors.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM (on-site)

Position Responsibilities

• Independent execution of product purchases with focus on high volume while ensuring Kaplan achieves pricing efficiencies, quality standards and effective shipment methods.
• Monitor inventory replenishment requirements and prepare/analyze inventory reports to determine replenishment requirements and ensure purchasing plans are meeting required forecast.
• Prepare and process purchase orders for various product categories.
• Minimize backorders and achieve fill-rate expectations.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with vendors.
• Proactively resolve procurement issues (i.e. shortages, quality, discrepancies, etc.) with vendors and internal departments, as required.

Education/Experience

• BS degree preferred or equivalent training / experience.
• Minimum of 2 to 5 years purchasing/planning experience.
• Strong understanding of procurement and negotiation techniques.
• Extensive experience working with MS Office, HubSpot; strong Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, complex formulas).
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload as conflicts arise.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Must be a self-starter, motivated, reliable and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of Kaplan products a plus.

Benefits Include

• Paid Time Off including holidays
• Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave Supplemental Program
• Childcare Discounts
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Matching 401(k) Plan plus a suite of financial educational services to include consultations with licensed representatives
• Short-term disability and long-term disability income replacement programs through Voya Insurance
• Educational Tuition Assistance
• Verizon and AT&T Discount
• YMCA Discount
• Employee Referral Bonus
• LifeMart Discount Shopping Website
• Kaplan Outlet Center Discount
• Pet Insurance

Kaplan Early Learning Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We embrace differences, welcome diversity and value a culture of respect.