Procurement Associate

Job Title: Procurement AssociateJob Description

Responsibilities

• Serve as a system and process subject matter expert for enterprise tools including Oracle, iSupplier, ERP/MRP systems, TIPQA, TTQ, Teamcenter, Factory Bucket, Logikweb, Cognos, and Apex.
• Support bid and proposal activities by developing and executing RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs and managing all related quoting activities.
• Administer purchase order activities by acting on purchase requisitions, placing orders, processing cancellations and reschedules, and maintaining order documents for item revision, quantity, price, and clause changes.
• Monitor supplier promise dates, update expeditor text, and ensure all purchase order data remains accurate and current in the system.
• Resolve invoice exceptions by working with internal stakeholders and suppliers to address discrepancies and ensure timely payment and order flow.
• Manage supplier deliverables and resolve delivery discrepancies to ensure materials and services meet schedule, quality, and contractual requirements.
• Issue open order reports, follow up with suppliers for status updates, and expedite material deliveries as required to meet production and program schedules.
• Support internal customer requirements through clear expeditor text updates, regular status meetings, and proactive communication on order and material status.
• Process and coordinate requests for Technical Data Questionnaires, Return Material Authorizations, reworks, and Repair & Overhaul activities.
• Initiate, monitor, and support change management documentation, including PRs, CRs, and COs, ensuring all changes are properly documented and executed.
• Utilize mitigation mechanisms such as Temporary Release Authorizations, deviations/waivers, and Material Review Board processes to support schedule adherence.
• Support supplier development by fostering effective execution of work, encouraging system innovation, and promoting continuous improvement in supplier performance.
• Maintain item attributes in enterprise systems, including buyer assignments, lead times, and minimum order quantities, to support accurate planning and purchasing.
• Identify and address system issues, ensuring data integrity and consistency across procurement and supply chain systems.
• Forecast monthly material receipts to support financial objectives and provide accurate visibility into material flow and spend.
• Collaborate with functional planning and scheduling teams, as needed, to align procurement activities with production and program requirements.
• Provide strong customer service to internal stakeholders by responding promptly to inquiries and resolving issues related to procurement and supply chain activities.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience in supply chain operations with a focus on procurement and purchasing activities.
• Hands-on experience with purchase orders, including creation, maintenance, expediting, and issue resolution.
• Proficiency in expediting materials and managing supplier follow-up to meet schedule commitments.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to use VLOOKUP and pivot tables to analyze data and create reports.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as Oracle, SAP, or JDE in a purchasing or supply chain capacity.
• Familiarity with MRP concepts and processes in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, open orders, and supplier communications in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to support internal stakeholders and communicate clearly with suppliers.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining purchase order records, item attributes, and system data.
• Comfort working with complex enterprise tools and learning new systems quickly.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with functional planning and scheduling in a manufacturing or defense-related environment.
• Exposure to vendor management practices, including performance monitoring and issue resolution.
• Experience with Oracle-based procurement tools and related systems such as iSupplier.
• Familiarity with additional enterprise and quality systems such as TIPQA, TTQ, Teamcenter, Factory Bucket, Logikweb, Cognos, and Apex.
• Experience supporting bid and proposal efforts, including RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs.
• Knowledge of change management processes, including PRs, CRs, and COs, and related mitigation mechanisms such as Temporary Release Authorizations, deviations/waivers, and Material Review Board activities.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or defense industry environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in resolving invoice exceptions and delivery discrepan