Buyer / Procurement Specialist

East Peoria, IL | On-Site Full Time | 12-Month Contract | W2 Only

W2 candidates only. No third-party suppliers or sponsorship.

We are seeking a Buyer / Procurement Specialist to support sourcing activities for New Product Introduction (NPI) and Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) programs within a large manufacturing environment.

This position will lead sourcing projects, work directly with suppliers, and collaborate with procurement engineers, buyers, project leads, and other cross-functional stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have experience in procurement, material planning, sourcing, supplier management, or supply chain, along with strong program management and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support sourcing projects for NPI and CPI programs.

• Collaborate directly with suppliers throughout sourcing and development activities.

• Evaluate and optimize suppliers based on price, quality, service, availability, support, and other performance factors.

• Solicit and evaluate supplier bids and proposals.

• Review requisitions and approve purchase orders for goods and services.

• Support supplier selection and purchasing decisions to achieve quality, cost, and delivery objectives.

• Work with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve issues involving defective, unacceptable, or undelivered goods and services.

• Support supplier negotiations, renegotiations, and contract administration.

• Evaluate and monitor supplier contract performance and compliance.

• Analyze financial reports, price proposals, and other technical data to support purchasing decisions.

• Work cross-functionally with Product Procurement Engineers, Buyers, Project Leads, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

• Support material planning and program execution activities.

• Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier documentation.

Required Qualifications

Candidates should meet one of the following education/experience combinations:

• Bachelor''s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience

• Associate/two-year degree with 4+ years of relevant experience

• High school diploma with 6+ years of relevant experience

Relevant backgrounds may include Buyer, Category Buyer, Procurement Specialist, Purchasing Agent, Supply Chain Analyst, Supply Chain Engineer, Material Planner, or similar procurement/supply chain positions.

Internship experience may be considered when relevant to the required skills.

Top Skills

1. Procurement

• Strategic or tactical sourcing

• Supplier selection and management

• RFQs/bid proposals

• Purchase orders

• Supplier negotiations

• Cost, quality, and delivery considerations

2. Material Planning

• Material availability and supplier coordination

• Supply chain planning

• Supporting sourcing and production requirements

3. Program Management

• Managing sourcing activities and project deliverables

• Coordinating across suppliers and internal stakeholders

• Supporting NPI and CPI initiatives

Additional Skills

Required:

• Microsoft Office

• Strong verbal and written communication

• Negotiation and interpersonal skills

• Attention to detail

• Ability to analyze financial reports, pricing proposals, and technical information

• Knowledge of purchasing and supply chain processes

• Strong stakeholder presentation and communication skills

Preferred:

• Power BI

• Manufacturing procurement experience

• NPI and/or CPI program experience

• Supplier development or category purchasing experience

Work Environment

This is an office-based, on-site position in East Peoria, Illinois with daily cross-functional interaction. The team includes Product Procurement Engineers, Buyers, and Project Leads.

Schedule: 7:30 AM–3:30 PM
Duration: 12 months
Location: East Peoria, IL
Work Arrangement: On-site, full time

W2 candidates only. No third-party suppliers or sponsorship.