The Purchasing Coordinator supports tactical sourcing and procurement activities, including C-spend sourcing, data management, supplier coordination, special projects, and internal client support. This role contributes value through the development and execution of sourcing initiatives while ensuring alignment with business partner strategies and established procurement processes.
The Purchasing Coordinator develops proficiency in procurement systems, tools, and sourcing methodologies through training and hands-on experience. The role requires the ability to analyze purchasing data, identify opportunities for cost savings or process improvements, and resolve end-to-end procure-to-pay issues. The Purchasing Coordinator also serves as an informal resource for less experienced team members and collaborates across multiple internal functions to support operational success.
Key Responsibilities
- Support tactical sourcing initiatives including C-spend sourcing, supplier support, and purchasing-related special projects.
- Work with system data on actual purchases to identify value opportunities and develop action plans aligned with partner strategies.
- Analyze and troubleshoot data disconnects between Sourcing and Accounts Payable (APAY) teams impacting the procure-to-pay process.
- Lead “strategic sourcing light” projects by following the Company’s Strategic Sourcing Process.
- Negotiate supply pricing, lead times, and delivery terms for assigned spend categories and items.
- Provide sourcing support by partnering with internal stakeholders to clarify scope of service, quality requirements, volume needs, and logistics expectations for new and existing purchases.
- Utilize sourcing tools such as Requests for Information (RFI) and Requests for Quote (RFQ) to support supplier selection and competitive pricing.
- Resolve process, supplier, or purchasing issues escalated from Procure-to-Pay (PtP), Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams.
- Enter and maintain vendor codes, pricing agreements, and contract information in SAP and/or OTM systems.
- Provide Source-to-Pay (StP) teams with required information to manage SAP vendor and price agreements.
- Collaborate with Strategic Sourcing and StP to resolve pricing discrepancies and APAY-related issues.
- Manage and support workflows including Change Management Tool (CMT), Supplier Index Pricing, Working Capital Exceptions, and Forecasting activities.
- Apply established procedures and best practices to provide solutions to operational and analytical challenges.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Understanding of procurement and sourcing processes, including Source-to-Pay and Procure-to-Pay workflows.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret purchasing and supplier data to identify opportunities and resolve discrepancies.
- Ability to communicate complex technical or process-related information clearly to internal teams and stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple workflows and priorities simultaneously.
- Experience supporting supplier negotiations involving pricing, lead times, and delivery terms.
- Working knowledge of procurement tools and sourcing methods such as RFI and RFQ processes.
- Ability to troubleshoot process issues and collaborate cross-functionally to drive resolution.
- Proficiency with ERP systems, preferably SAP (and/or OTM).
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
- 1–3 years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, procurement operations, supply chain, or related functions preferred.
- Experience working with SAP and procurement systems strongly preferred.
- Exposure to sourcing, contract management, supplier management, or accounts payable processes is a plus.
Why work with us? We are a woman-owned company that values your ideas, encourages your growth, and always has your back. When you work with us you'll have training opportunities, flexible/remote work options, growth opportunities, 401K and competitive pay. Apply today! We are an EOE, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. https://www.optechus.com/eeo_self_identification/