What are the responsibilities and job description for the Indirect Procurement Specialist position at Kalmar?
At Kalmar, we are moving goods in critical supply chains around the world. As the forerunner in sustainable material handling equipment and services, we set the industry benchmark for a zero-emission future. We are driven by teamwork, innovation, and taking ownership to deliver results. With our global reach and local expertise, our success starts with a strong focus on the customer, ensuring their needs guide our daily work. We are dedicated to respecting others and fostering an inclusive culture where all voices are heard, empowering us to succeed together. Together, we are making every move count.
Purpose of the position
The Indirect Procurement Specialist is accountable for representing the Kalmar Ottawa plant in working with the Indirect category to optimize spend and support the overall category strategy. The Indirect Procurement Specialist is an important member of the sourcing team and must work well with operations (Quality, Planning, Finance, etc.) as well as the engineering team on projects or new product development. Essentially this position is leading all indirect purchasing and supplier related activities, both for ongoing production as well as new product introduction. The position requires excellent leadership and negotiation skills to manage supplier relationships. The Indirect Procurement Specialist needs to select suppliers based on strategy as well as to clearly communicate priorities and expected results from their suppliers.
Main tasks and responsibilities
- Drive profits using cost saving strategies and project management skills to effectively lower component & manufacturing costs.
- Implement cost improvement strategies by suppliers to achieve cost targets.
- Demonstrate teamwork with colleagues to achieve results.
- Identify inefficiencies in local procurement processes and work with the plant team to implement improvements such as process standardisation and tool utilisation.that enhance operational efficiency
- Provide regular reporting to operations and controllers on procurement performance, highlighting key achievements, risks, and areas for improvement against targets for cost, quality, and delivery.
- Optimize the supplier base for their respective category group and spend responsibilities.
- Develop & implement category strategies and negotiate with suppliers with heavy emphasis on quality, delivery and cost. Collaborate strategies with global category managers.
- Select and develop suppliers to achieve world-class results on quality, delivery and cost.
- Demonstrate a business mindset with sustainable results.
- Develop and implement action plans to continuously improve their suppliers.
- Complete project work for the Ottawa plant or other parts of Kalmar.
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Implement and maintain proactive supplier management that continually improves a small, high performing supply base through a supplier performance measurement and development program
What you’ll need to succeed
Education
Minimum bachelor degree in business, finance, or engineering.
Experience
- Minimum of 3 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment is required.
Competencies
- Excellent contract management and negotiation skills. Proven and documented cost reduction skills.
- Ideal candidate will bring purchasing/sourcing/supply chain experience with an in-depth knowledge of people and processes, preferably with an OEM or tier 1 supplier environment.
- Value Engineering/Cost Reduction & Standardization experience highly preferred.
- Project Management experience.
- Fluent in English, other languages are a plus.
- Experience with an ERP system. Preference given to those with INFOR LN system experience.
- Domestic and possible international travel requirements are estimated to be 5% - 10%.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Knowledge in Total Quality Management, Lean Manufacturing, ERP/MRP systems
- Supply Chain optimization is valued.
- Proficient in the use of Google Suite, including Sheets, Slides & Microsoft office software, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and MS Project.
- Professional ISM affiliation/certification strongly desired.
You will be part of
With us, you will have the opportunity to realize your potential and become an important member of
our global team. We offer a supportive, challenging and diverse working environment with
competitive compensation and fantastic best-in-class benefits packages, including 401(k), medical,
dental, vision and life insurance plans with paid vacation and ten paid holidays.
Interested to join?
Please submit your resume/CV for consideration.
About Kalmar
Kalmar (Nasdaq Helsinki: KALMAR) is moving goods in critical supply chains around the world, with the vision to be the forerunner in sustainable material handling equipment and services. The company offers a wide range of industry shaping heavy material handling equipment and services to ports and terminals, distribution centres, manufacturing and heavy logistics. Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Kalmar operates globally in over 120 countries and employs approximately 5,200 people. In 2024, the company's sales totalled approximately EUR 1.7 billion.
www.kalmarglobal.com