Strategic Purchasing Specialist

Murphy USA Inc.; El Dorado (AR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

The Strategic Purchasing Specialist position at Murphy USA Inc. supports the Merchandise Supply Chain's Strategic Purchasing function, helping source and procure food, beverage, packaging, and operational supplies for QuickChek and Murphy USA.

The role collaborates with the Strategic Purchasing Manager and cross-functional teams to optimize costs, evaluate suppliers, and manage performance across multiple merchandise categories.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent with 1+ year procurement experience.
• Experience with data analysis and vendor coordination preferred.
• Familiarity with retail operations and cross-functional teams beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support the Strategic Purchasing Manager in executing sourcing strategies.
• Assist with RFPs, supplier outreach, bid analysis, and vendor evaluation.
• Perform spend analysis, pricing comparisons, and cost modeling.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and contract compliance.
• Develop supplier scorecards and sourcing analytics.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product launches and promotions.

Skills

Data analysis

Vendor coordination

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Job description

The Strategic Purchasing Specialist plays a key role within the Merchandise Supply Chain organization, supporting the Strategic Purchasing function in the sourcing and procurement of food, beverage, packaging, and operational supply items for QuickChek and Murphy USA. This position works closely with the Strategic Purchasing Manager to support supplier sourcing initiatives, vendor negotiations, contract administration, and supplier performance management.

The Strategic Purchasing Specialist will leverage data and cross-functional collaboration to support cost optimization, supplier performance, and supply continuity. This role will assist in the execution of sourcing strategies, evaluation of supplier capabilities, and monitoring of vendor performance to ensure reliable and cost-effective supply across multiple merchandise categories.

This position collaborates regularly with Category Management, Culinary, Marketing, Accounting, Inventory Management, Replenishment Merchandise Support, and Store Operations, as well as external suppliers and distribution partners. Initially focused on supporting food and beverage sourcing for QuickChek, this role will help build scalable sourcing processes designed to support broader merchandise categories across the enterprise over time.

Responsibilities

• Support the Strategic Purchasing Manager in executing sourcing strategies across food, beverage, packaging, operational supply categories, and other Merchandise categories.
• Assist with sourcing events including Requests for Proposal (RFPs), supplier outreach, bid analysis, and supplier evaluation.
• Perform spend analysis, pricing comparisons, and cost modeling to support sourcing decisions and vendor negotiations.
• Assist with supplier onboarding activities, including vendor setup coordination with internal teams and distribution partners.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics including pricing trends, fill rates, product quality, and contract compliance.
• Support the development and maintenance of supplier performance scorecards and sourcing analytics.
• Maintain pricing agreements, contracts, and procurement documentation to ensure alignment with negotiated terms.
• Collaborate with Category Management, Culinary, and Marketing teams to support new product launches, menu innovation, and promotional programs.
• Assist in identifying opportunities for supplier consolidation, cost optimization, and operational efficiency.
• Support SKU rationalization initiatives through product performance analysis and supply chain evaluation.
• Partner with Inventory Management, Replenishment, and distribution partners to support reliable product availability.
• Develop reports and analytical tools to support supplier management, cost tracking, and sourcing initiatives.
• Communicate sourcing insights, supplier performance updates, and cost trends to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

Broad knowledge of such fields as business administration, supply chain management, finance, merchandising, procurement, or related disciplines. Equivalent to a four-year college degree, plus one (1) or more years of experience and/or training in procurement, supply chain, sourcing, retail operations, or a related business function, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience working with data analysis, vendor coordination, or cross-functional business teams is preferred. Exposure to retail, convenience retail, foodservice, or consumer packaged goods industries is considered beneficial but not required. Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, is expected.

Location(s)

Pay Range

50,000 - 63,000

Position Type

Full-time

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We greatly value your time and want to provide the best opportunity for you to showcase your strengths.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons shall have the opportunity to be considered for employment without regard to race or color, national origin, religion, gender and gender identity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, family medical leave status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status or other personal status or characteristics that are recognized and protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws and regulations.

We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact 870-875-7783.