Procurement Specialist - AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company

The Procurement Specialist will oversee the management of materials and services expenditures for AMERICAN, leveraging effective purchasing principles and procedures. This role involves engaging with and analyzing qualified suppliers to ensure reliability and drive continuous improvement across all aspects of our business.

The ideal candidate will foster strong internal relationships to enhance the quality of information shared among AMERICAN's divisions and the Purchasing team. Staying informed about market conditions and supplier performance, the Procurement Specialist will be instrumental in securing the best value for our organization, ultimately contributing to our competitive advantage.

Join us in shaping our procurement strategy and ensuring our operations run smoothly!

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must exhibit a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in Business or related course of study. Proof of degree required. A transcript or diploma would be acceptable and must be provided.
• Must have exceptional negotiation skills.
• Must exhibit the ability to perform under stress, sustained pressure, and time constraints.
• Must exhibit the ability to efficiently manage multiple projects.
• Must demonstrate outstanding service-oriented interpersonal skills and a positive attitude.
• Must demonstrate the ability to be resourceful in addressing customer requirements, both internal and external, with purchased materials and AMERICAN products.
• Must have basic personal computer skills with the ability to become proficient in operating common windows-based computer programs, including spreadsheet and word processing programs, e-mail.
• Must have basic knowledge of Material Management/MRP software package. (Preferred packages are S2K, ASI, Express, JDE, SAP, Oracle)
• Must be physically able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Must exhibit the ability to work with confidential information and maintain confidentiality.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Two or more years in Purchasing or related experience.
• CPM, CPSM or CPIM purchasing professional designation or equal certification, or MBA from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience with AMERICAN manufacturing or comparable experience.
• Negotiation skills.
• Basic knowledge of ISO.
• APICS certified.
• Experience in more than one AMERICAN product line or comparable outside product lines.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage company expenditures by developing a strong vendor base, qualifying suppliers, and negotiating optimal pricing and service terms.
• Collaborate with internal teams to gather hands-on insights, ensure compliance with manufacturing requirements, and resolve vendor performance issues.
• Continuously monitor the market for new opportunities while maintaining relationships to drive ongoing improvements; extensive travel may be required.
• Facilitate materials management by collaborating with Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, and Quality Assurance to ensure profitable procurement, including establishing specifications and managing inventory levels.
• Coordinate timely deliveries and improve inventory reduction while ensuring compliance with financial, legal, environmental, and insurance requirements.

AMERICAN Benefits:

• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonus Plan
• Eagan Center for Wellness
• Medical, Dental, and Supplemental Vision
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program

About AMERICAN:

Founded in Birmingham, Alabama in 1905, AMERICAN is a manufacturer of fire hydrants, valves, ductile iron and spiral-welded steel pipe for the waterworks industry, and high-frequency-welded steel pipe for the oil and natural gas industries. AMERICAN's diversified product line also includes fire pumps, structural casing and piling, castings for waterworks products and large machinery, and specialty rubber products. For more than a century, AMERICAN has been committed to doing things The Right Way by applying the Golden Rule in life and in business, always exceeding customer expectations, by empowering and supporting our team members, and by being a good neighbor in our communities.

EOE/VETS/DISABILITY