Procurement Specialist

Job Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Procurement Specialist to join our team and drive strategic sourcing, vendor management, and procurement operations. In this role, you will be instrumental in managing procurement processes, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the seamless supply of materials and services essential to our operations. Your expertise will help optimize supply chain efficiency, uphold procurement compliance, and foster strong supplier relationships. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a fast-paced environment where proactive sourcing and strategic decision-making are valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Purchase ordering: Place purchase orders with suppliers based on sales velocity, inventory levels, and demand forecasts; track lead times and ensure on-time delivery.
• Negotiation: Negotiate pricing, payment terms, MOQs, and promotional support to secure the best possible procurement terms.
• Supplier management: Understand suppliers' policies and needs (MOQs, production schedules, price-increase plans); maintain strong working relationships and make sound purchasing decisions aligned with company needs.
• Sales velocity analysis: Track SKU sell-through; flag out-of-stock and slow-moving risks; recommend replenishment, order reductions, or promotional actions.
• Warehouse coordination: Coordinate inbound scheduling, receiving, and exception handling with the warehouse team; maintain inventory accuracy and control both stockouts and overstock.
• Import logistics coordination: Track ocean freight schedules and vessel arrivals, arrange drayage/trucking to the warehouse, and follow up on customs clearance to ensure timely inbound of imported goods.
• Proactive ownership: Surface supply-chain risks and opportunities early and drive them to resolution — take initiative instead of waiting for instructions.
• Lead procurement activities across multiple categories, including sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier management to meet organizational needs.
• Utilize Oodo systems, and other e-procurement platforms to process purchase orders, track procurement data, and manage procurement workflows efficiently.
• Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives to identify optimal suppliers, improve pricing strategies, and enhance quality management.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors to secure favorable terms while ensuring compliance with procurement regulations such as Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and local policies.
• Manage vendor relationships by evaluating supplier performance, conducting supplier audits, and resolving supply chain issues promptly.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with project management, logistics, production planning, and quality teams to align procurement strategies with operational goals.
• Maintain comprehensive procurement documentation including contracts, purchase agreements, and regulatory compliance records.

Requirements

• 2+ years of procurement or supply chain experience in food / FMCG; wholesale distribution background preferred.
• Fluent in both Chinese and English (written and spoken) — able to communicate smoothly with suppliers in both China and the U.S.
• Data-driven; proficient in Excel for sales-velocity and inventory analysis.
• Proven experience in procurement management within a supply chain environment; familiarity with public sector purchasing is a plus.
• Familiar with import/export procedures and the basics of ocean and inland freight (B/L, customs documentation, etc.).
• Proactive, responsible, and able to own outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of Oodo systems or equivalent platforms; experience with MRP (Material Requirements Planning) systems is preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation, vendor contract management, and strategic sourcing techniques.
• Excellent understanding of procurement regulations including FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations) and industry standards for procurement contract negotiation.
• Skilled in procurement category management, project management principles, and logistics coordination.
• Exceptional negotiation skills combined with the ability to foster long-term supplier relationships through effective communication and collaboration.
• Ability to analyze pricing models, manage materials efficiently, and support production planning processes.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail in documentation and compliance requirements.

Join us as a Procurement Specialist to make a tangible impact on our supply chain success! Bring your strategic mindset, negotiation prowess, and passion for procurement excellence—your expertise will help us achieve operational excellence while advancing your career in a vibrant team environment.

Pay: $48,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) 4% Match
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person