What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Procurement Specialist position at CRRC MA?
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Lead Procurement specialist will support CRRC MA’s procurement efforts by researching and sourcing materials and services, soliciting quotes, and assisting with vendor negotiations in coordination with the Manager of Contracts Administration and the Contracts/DBE Manager.
- This role includes the preparation and issuance of purchase orders related to office equipment and project site support.
- Monitors purchasing systems and procedures and ensures compliance to company authorizations, policies, and procedures with respect to the purchasing function.
- Identifies and resolves purchasing related issues for materials and manages suppliers associated with respective commodities.
- Utilizes and assists with implementation of “e-tools” (ERP etc.) to help drive programs.
- He/She will negotiate for bulk discounts, finding the lowest-cost materials and supplies within quality standards. He/She will interact with all departments requiring Direct/MRO material/services. He/She MUST be able to work as liaison updating and applying information in coordination with CRRC MAs Procurement & Logistics Department, Springfield, MA.
- Engineering knowledge of train/transit, construction, manufacturing and assembling is preferred
- Prepares and issues purchase orders as necessary.
- Ensures timely and accurate receiving, planning, distribution, delivery and replenishment of products and materials.
- Assess purchase orders for accuracy and compliance with regulations and CRRC MAs SOPs for Direct/MRO purchases, and Procurement & Logistics Policies and Procedures.
- Develops and implements procurement strategies with Procurement management team aligned with organizational goals.
- Works with Management to evaluate, negotiate, and establish contracts with vendors to ensure cost-effective and timely procurement.
- Researches suppliers, pricing, cost effectiveness, and availability of material and commodities.
- Establishes and maintains strong relationships with vendors and suppliers.
- Represent the Procurement Management Team at internal Reviews.
- Ensures that all Procurement Processes and Procedures are adhered to in the daily operation of the Procurement functional support duties.
- Manage all aspects of Direct/MRO purchasing and distribution while considering cost-effective solutions.
- Proven negotiation and problem-solving skills.
- To ensure that the communication and escalation to the Procurement Management of arising issues is maintained at all times,
- Performs duties as assigned
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
- 5 years of procurement experience, including leadership or senior specialist roles, preferably in a manufacturing or transit-related industry.
- Deep understanding of Direct and MRO purchasing processes and supplier management best practices.
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
- Strong negotiation, contract management, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and procurement tools; ProLog experience is a plus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to travel occasionally to vendor sites as needed.
