Purchasing Specialist Lead

Purchasing Specialist Lead

Job Description

Department: Supply Chain

Job Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Salary-Exempt

Reports To: Purchasing Manager

Location: The Woodlands, TX

Amount of Travel Required: Minimal

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Overtime as Needed

Positions Supervised: Purchasing Specialist(s)

AIP Level: 6

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead Purchasing Specialist is responsible for overseeing and coordinating procurement activities to ensure the timely, cost-effective acquisition of goods and services that support organizational objectives. This role serves as a subject matter expert within the purchasing function, providing guidance to purchasing team members, managing key supplier relationships, leading strategic sourcing initiatives, and driving continuous improvement efforts across procurement processes. The Lead Purchasing Specialist ensures compliance with company policies, contractual obligations, and industry standards while supporting operational efficiency and business continuity.

Essential Functions (The following duties and responsibilities are all essential job functions, as defined by the ADA, except for those that begin with the word "may.")

- Lead and coordinate daily purchasing activities to ensure timely procurement of materials, equipment, and services.

- Review and approve purchase requisitions and purchase orders in accordance with established authorization levels and company policies.

- Source, evaluate, and qualify suppliers based on quality, service, delivery performance, reliability, and cost competitiveness.

- Partner with operations, inventory, finance, and other internal stakeholders to forecast purchasing needs and maintain appropriate inventory levels.

- Monitor procurement activities to identify and resolve supply chain disruptions, shortages, or delivery delays.

- Provide guidance, training, and support to purchasing team members and serve as a resource for procurement-related issues.

- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers and vendors.

- Lead negotiations for pricing, contracts, terms, service agreements, and supplier performance expectations.

- Evaluate supplier performance through established metrics and implement corrective actions when necessary.

- Resolve complex vendor issues involving delivery schedules, product quality, invoicing discrepancies, and contractual compliance.

- Collaborate with suppliers to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve service levels.

- Identify and implement opportunities to streamline procurement processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.

- Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier consolidation efforts to maximize value.

- Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain conditions to mitigate risk and improve purchasing decisions.

- Participate in cross-functional projects related to operational improvements, inventory management, and supply chain optimization.

- Performs other related duties as assigned to assist with successful operations and business continuity.