Procurement Operational Specialist

General Summary

The Procurement Operational Specialist, Direct Materials is an entry-level role responsible for supporting the execution of the direct category management strategy through data analysis, supplier coordination, and process support activities. This role is also mainly on purchase order fulfillment to ensure operation is able to run plan production schedule.

This role works closely with Category Management, Supply Chain, and Procurement Excellence to support procurement execution, maintain supplier information, and assist in managing supplier performance and continuity.

The role is designed as a developmental position, providing exposure to category management, supplier engagement, and procurement processes in a global manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Strategy Deployment and Execution

• Support execution of category plans through data analysis, reporting, and coordination of sourcing activities.
• Assist with preparation of RFQs, supplier communications, and pricing data collection
• Maintain accurate records of supplier pricing, lead times, and material information.
• Support alignment of procurement activity with supply planning and inventory requirements.
• Assist with contract documentation and tracking activities.

Drive Success

• Support coordination between Procurement, Supply Chain, and suppliers on routine operational matters.
• Assist with tracking supplier commitments, delivery updates, and supply issues.
• Support identification of cost, service, and supplier performance trends through data analysis.
• Escalate issues or inconsistencies to Category leadership as needed.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Support day-to-day supplier communication, including scheduling meetings and tracking follow-ups.
• Assist in preparation of supplier performance reviews and business review materials
• Maintain organized records of supplier interactions and commitments.
• Support ongoing supplier engagement activities.

Supplier Risk & Performance Management

• Support tracking of supplier performance metrics, issues, and corrective actions.
• Assist with supplier audit coordination and documentation.
• Maintain records related to supplier risk and performance data.
• Escalate potential risks or concerns to Category or Supplier Risk leadership.

PO fulfillment

• Ensure the raw material purchase order fulfilment process is run smoothly, POs are released, acknowledged, monitored, expedited, and closed in alignment with MRP, supply plans, lead times, and production requirements.
• Escalate any procurement exception management for raw materials that is not able to fulfil by suppliers, including late deliveries, supplier non-confirmation, price discrepancies, invoice issues, MOQ constraints, allocation, and urgent supply requirements.
• Drive supplier recovery actions for service failures, including expedited shipment, revised delivery plans, allocation negotiation, corrective actions, and communication of recovery timelines to internal stakeholders.
• Partner with Finance, Accounts Payable, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to resolve PO, invoice, pricing, quantity, and goods receipt discrepancies in a timely manner.

High-Performing Procurement Organization

• Maintain strong process discipline and support compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
• Support Procurement Operations with supplier data accuracy and system updates.
• Contribute to reporting and analytics activities across procurement.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives within procurement processes.
• Actively build knowledge of procurement, supply chain, and supplier management practices

Critical Competencies

• Analytical Thinking – Ability to analyze data and identify insights.
• Attention to Detail – Accuracy in managing data, supplier information, and documentation.
• Communication Skills – Clear and effective communication with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Learning Agility – Ability to quickly develop procurement, supply chain, and material knowledge.
• Collaboration – Ability to work effectively across teams and functions.
• Organizational Discipline – Ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain structured processes.
• Basic Business Acumen – Understanding of how procurement supports manufacturing and operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Chemistry, or related field required
• 1–2 years of experience (internships, co-ops, or early career roles acceptable)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard business tools
• Interest in procurement, supply chain, or manufacturing environments
• Ability to work in a global, cross-functional environment

Work Hours

Michelman’s standard work hours for this role are Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm EST but this is responsible for global operations the ability to support global teams will require the associate to work outside of these normal working hours from time to time.

About us

Michelman is a global developer and manufacturer of specialized sustainable chemistry used in industrial and agricultural coatings, digital printing, consumer packaging, and advanced composites for automotive and aerospace. Michelman is proud of the values-focused work environment that we have crafted. We pride ourselves on our values of integrity, respect, and success. With our dedication to your technical and professional growth, in addition to our rigorous onboarding experience, we guarantee that you will find yourself challenged in new ways. We offer an excellent salary, incentive, and benefits package in a dynamic, empowered team environment.