Purchasing / Procurement Specialist (Contract)

Job Title: Purchasing / Procurement SpecialistLocation: Wheatfield, INWork Model: Hybrid – Onsite Tuesday–Thursday | Remote Monday & FridayRate: $25–$28/hr (W-2)Contract Length: Now Through End of Year (Strong Possibility of Extension)Employment Type: W-2 Only – U.S. Citizens Only (No Visa Sponsorship)Position OverviewWe are seeking a Purchasing / 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 ResponsibilitiesProcurement & Sourcing ExecutionLead 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 ManagementIndependently manage the end-to-end RFP process, including:Negotiation support and supplier selectionAnalysis of supplier proposalsCreation and distribution of RFP documentationDevelopment of business requirements and evaluation criteriaSupplier outreach and communicationFacilitate 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 ManagementPartner 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 ResolutionInvestigate 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 & PerformanceIdentify 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 QualificationsBachelor’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 Qualifications2–4 years of procurement or sourcing experienceExperience supporting industrial, manufacturing, or energy environmentsExperience managing sourcing projects or procurement initiativesProject management experience or exposure to project-based procurement workSuccess in This RoleSuccessful candidates will demonstrate:Ability to manage sourcing activities efficiently and meet procurement timelinesStrong supplier relationships and effective negotiation outcomesAccurate and timely procurement transactions and documentationProactive identification of cost savings and process improvementsStrong collaboration with internal stakeholders and supply chain teams