Purchasing Specialist

ebm-papst; Farmington (CT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

ebm-papst, Inc. is seeking a Purchasing Specialist to source and manage indirect goods and services. You will negotiate terms, issue RFQs/RFPs, and ensure compliance with procurement policies while partnering with internal teams to meet business needs.

In this role, you will handle multiple sourcing projects in a fast-paced environment, maintain supplier relationships, and drive cost savings through strategic sourcing initiatives and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a business/ procurement related field.
• 3–5 years indirect sourcing, purchasing, or procurement experience.
• Experience negotiating supplier contracts and pricing agreements.
• Strong understanding of procurement and purchasing best practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure indirect materials and services (facilities, maintenance, office supplies, professional services, logistics, fleet, etc.).
• Issue RFQs/RFPs/RFIs as needed and evaluate supplier quotations.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and service agreements to achieve cost savings.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Create and maintain purchase orders and documentation in company systems.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve pricing, quality, invoicing, and service issues.
• Review contract renewals, expirations, and vendor compliance.
• Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation and cost reduction.
• Collaborate with Finance, Operations, Facilities, IT, HR, and other departments on sourcing strategies.
• Maintain vendor records, contracts, and procurement documentation.

Skills

Negotiation

Vendor management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain or related

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Excel

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Purchasing Specialist

Sourcing Active - Regular full-time Strat. Purch. IP Farmington, CT, US

Salary Range: $80,000.00 To $95,000.00 Annually

ebm-papst, Inc.

Location: Farmington, CT
Department: Procurement
Reports To: Indirect Procurement Manager

Position Summary

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing the procurement of indirect goods and services that support the organization's operations. This role works closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure the timely acquisition of quality products and services at the best overall value while maintaining compliance with company policies and procurement procedures.

The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation skills, supplier management experience, and the ability to effectively manage multiple sourcing projects in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and procure indirect materials and services, including facilities, maintenance, office supplies, professional services, logistics, fleet services, capital equipment, and other indirect spend categories.
• Issue Requests for Quote (RFQs), Requests for Proposal (RFPs), and Requests for Information (RFIs) as needed.
• Evaluate supplier quotations and proposals based on cost, quality, service, and delivery requirements.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, conditions, and service agreements to achieve cost savings and favorable contract terms.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Create and maintain purchase orders and ensure accurate documentation within company systems.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve issues related to pricing, quality, invoicing, and service levels.
• Review and manage contract renewals, expirations, and vendor compliance requirements.
• Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, process improvements, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Collaborate with Finance, Operations, Facilities, Information Technology, Human Resources, and other departments to understand business requirements and develop sourcing strategies.
• Maintain accurate vendor records, contracts, and procurement documentation.
• Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies and applicable regulations.
• Assist with budgeting, spend analysis, reporting, and forecasting activities.
• Support strategic sourcing initiatives and special procurement projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of indirect sourcing, purchasing, or procurement experience.
• Experience negotiating supplier contracts and pricing agreements.
• Strong understanding of procurement and purchasing best practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar purchasing platforms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting procurement operations within a manufacturing, industrial, or distribution environment.
• Familiarity with indirect spend categories such as facilities, MRO, office supplies, professional services, fleet, logistics, and capital equipment.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating supplier contracts and service agreements.
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies, supplier relationship management, and spend analysis.

Core Competencies

• Contract Management
• Negotiation and Influencing Skills
• Strategic Sourcing
• Financial and Business Acumen
• Analytical Thinking
• Customer Service Orientation
• Attention to Detail
• Project Management
• Communication and Collaboration

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Ability to occasionally travel to supplier locations and company facilities as needed.
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Collaborative and team-oriented work environment

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants.

Benefits

Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance; HSA options; life and disability insurance; voluntary supplemental benefits; a 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions; and paid time off.