Procurement Specialist

Procurement Specialist

Location: Ecru, MS Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM CT

Position Overview

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for the strategic purchasing of raw materials, components, and Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) supplies. This role serves as a vital link between Manufacturing Operations, Design, Engineering, and suppliers to ensure the best-delivered value to Ashley Furniture Industries. The ideal candidate will manage inventory levels, negotiate pricing, and drive cost reduction strategies while maintaining strong supplier relationships.

Primary Job Functions

Strategic Purchasing & Inventory Management

• Procure a specific set of assigned raw materials, components, and MRO supplies based on internal customer requirements.
• Manage the full order lifecycle, including following up on status, expediting, deferring, or canceling orders to ensure materials are available for production on time.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of inventory transaction data entry and scanning.
• Develop and execute inventory strategies to achieve annual inventory turn objectives.

Supplier Selection & Negotiation

• Facilitate communication between internal departments to support the selection of primary and secondary suppliers offering the best value.
• Perform initial price negotiations and serve as the company representative to prospective suppliers.
• Place Requests for Quotation (RFQs), evaluate quotes, and recommend suppliers for business awards to the Global Commodity Manager.
• Initiate negotiations to mitigate price increases and develop plans to offset costs when necessary.

Collaboration & Development

• Partner with Design, Engineering, and Manufacturing in the development of materials for production.
• Evaluate Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) to ensure correct costing and supplier information; generate Purchasing Change Orders (PCOs) and Counter Measures (ICM's) to reflect accurate costs.
• Facilitate the resolution of supplier proposals for component changes and present recommendations to Purchasing Management.
• Work cross-functionally to resolve invoice issues related to cost.

Supplier Performance & Relationship Management

• Train suppliers on the use of ashleysupplier.com to ensure proper data capture regarding PO data, collaboration, planned requirements, and ASNs.
• Monitor and report on supplier capacities, project completion, and problem resolution.
• Evaluate supplier performance through monthly scorecards and plant visits.
• Facilitate communication between the company and suppliers to resolve quality issues.

Continuous Improvement

• Develop and execute cost reduction strategies to achieve annual objectives for assigned commodity groupings.
• Research and develop new raw material sourcing options as necessary.
• Demonstrate the Company's Core and Growth values in the performance of all job functions.

Qualifications

• Experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and inventory management systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively across Design, Engineering, and Operations teams.