Purchasing Specialist - Projects

Crucible Zinc; Clarksville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Crucible Zinc in Clarksville, TN is seeking a Purchasing Specialist – Projects to manage end-to-end procurement for project needs. You will work with project teams to define specs, timelines, and budgets, source high-quality goods and services, and negotiate contracts to ensure timely delivery.

This role emphasizes collaboration with finance and inventory, maintaining records, and driving cost-saving strategies while upholding compliance and supplier performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or related field.
• 3+ years’ experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain roles, ideally with a focus on project-driven environments.
• Must fluently speak and write English.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project managers to understand detailed project specifications and timelines.
• Plan and execute procurement strategies tailored to each project.
• Negotiate pricing and contracting terms to secure competitive rates.
• Create, process, and manage purchase orders in accordance with company policies.
• Monitor vendor performance to ensure contractual obligations and continuous improvement in service.
• Forecast inventory needs based on project phases and adjust purchasing plans accordingly.

Skills

Procurement strategy

Vendor management

Data analysis

English fluency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Coupa

SAP Ariba

Job description

Purchasing Specialist - Projects (Clarksville, TN)

Crucible Zinc is a growth-oriented metals manufacturing company focused on producing high-quality zinc products through safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible processes. We are committed to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and responsible stewardship of our people and resources. Our team-driven culture emphasizes safety, integrity, and collaboration while investing in innovation and employee development. At Crucible Zinc, employees play a vital role in supporting reliable operations and delivering value to our customers and communities.

Overview of the role

The Purchasing Specialist – Projects is responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement process for project-specific needs. This role requires a keen understanding of project requirements, timelines, and budget constraints. The successful candidate will source high-quality goods and services, negotiate contracts, and coordinate with project teams to ensure timely delivery—helping to drive project success and overall organizational efficiency.

Key Accountabilities

Project Procurement & Coordination

• Collaborate with project managers to understand detailed project specifications and timelines.
• Plan and execute procurement strategies tailored to each project.
• Ensure that ordered goods and services adhere to project quality, quantity, and delivery requirements.

Vendor Management

• Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with qualified suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing and contracting terms to secure competitive rates without compromising quality.
• Monitor vendor performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and continuous improvement in service.

Purchasing Process & Documentation

• Create, process, and manage purchase orders in accordance with company policies.
• Maintain accurate records, including contracts, negotiations, and order status updates.
• Coordinate with finance and inventory teams to ensure accurate accounting and stock management.

Market & Cost Analysis

• Analyze market trends, industry benchmarks, and potential supply risks.
• Leverage market intelligence to propose cost‑saving strategies and enhance procurement outcomes.
• Forecast inventory needs based on project phases and adjust purchasing plans accordingly.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all procurement activities meet internal policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards.
• Identify opportunities to streamline procurement operations and implement best practices to boost efficiency.

Measures and reports KPI’s

• Runs the queries, needed to obtain scores on the KPI’s.
• Presents results in a fixed (visual) format.
• Reports results to management and internal departments
• Makes suggestions for improvements in terms of the management program, ISO procedures and general purchasing operational conditions.

Qualifications/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or related fields.
• Must be in a similar role for 3+ years’ experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain roles, ideally with a focus on project-driven environments.
• Must fluently speak and write English.

Competencies

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency with ERP and procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Coupa, SAP Ariba).
• Strong analytical abilities and experience in using data analysis tools (e.g., Excel).

Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams under tight project deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Preferred Attributes

• Certifications in procurement or supply chain management (e.g., Certified Purchasing Specialist, CPSM) are a plus.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex and high-value projects.

General Competencies

• Effectively maintain a clean and organized work environment
  • Operates in an orderly, efficiently manner with the ability to prioritize
• Motivated, flexible, and reliable
  • Ability to problem solve and work under pressure
  • Good analytical skills
  • Good organizational and communication skills
  • Knowledge of relevant production processes
• Ability to use initiative and pre‑empt needs
• Innovative and creative in dealing with complex issues.
• Ability to drive changes

Additional Information

In this role, you’ll be expected not only to maintain cost‑effective purchasing practices but also to drive improvements in procurement processes. As a key contributor in ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget, your ability to balance quality with a deep understanding of project dynamics is crucial. This role demands a proactive mindset toward identifying risk, leveraging market insights, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across procurement practices.

Based on current best practices and job guidelines from the industry, a Purchasing Specialist focused on projects must excel at both strategic planning and day‑to‑day operational details. This comprehensive approach ensures that every project has the necessary materials and resources to succeed, paving the way for overall business growth.

This is a non-management position
This is a full time position