Associate Procurement Specialist-Dairy

Responsible for coordinating incoming dairy settlements to ensure information is accurate and retained within the appropriate system, onboarding suppliers in Ariba (new and existing), working closely with souring managers on key initiatives, uploading all annual contracts into legal system, developing insightful KPIs related to job. 

• Ensure timely and accurate settlement of all incoming loads by coordinating daily with vendors, precisely recording settlement details, and facilitate prompt payments upon receiving an invoice.
• Maintain and improve systems related to vendor settlements and invoices to promote a best-in-class dairy settlement / invoicing process. Examples: New (standardized) process for settlements, improvements to invoicing workflow, create KPI that speaks to invoices processed outside of the robot / number of days from our workflow to next stage.  All changes to process should promote Wells as a top-tier customer. 
• Collaborate with Sourcing Managers to perform category planning and annual bid activities.  This may include but is not limited to gathering data and conducting all aspects of RFx process. Examples of activities: organizing bids pre-launch, sending out bid, aggregating bid responses, collaborating during negotiations and document collection for new suppliers, etc.
• Support spot load purchases each week by working with team to ensure that all ordered loads are being processed for payment.
• Partner with Sourcing Managers on cost management processes such as category spend analysis, total cost of ownership assessments, cost savings idea generation, and other cost based tactical activities that support category strategies.
• Facilitate and work closely with sourcing managers on various tactical needs as they arise within the procurement group, including but not limited to; ensure supply mitigation, issuance of purchase orders, obtaining and distributing data requests, reports, and analysis. May include conducting quality root-cause analysis and representing the Procurement department in meetings, etc. 
• Assist in driving continuous improvement to drive efficiencies and cost savings by ensuring that the right suppliers are onboard. The ideal candidate will own the onboarding process for the Wells Dairy Team, ensuring that all new and existing suppliers are onboarded in Ariba. Have a mindset that embraces radical candor for the betterment of supplier relations and teammates alike. The ideal candidate would embody this mindset and strive to do what is best for the team / overall success of the business.  Speaking up when there is an opportunity for improvement or change.
• Learn the role of a Procurement Specialist to provide back-up coverage.  This could entail but is not limited to weekly ordering, tracking of EU compliance, clearing blocks and holds, etc.

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, other duties may be assigned by your supervisor, as dictated by business necessity. 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred. 
• 1-3 years professional experience in purchasing or supply chain environment or related field preferred with degree. 2-4 years’ experience without. 
• Demonstrates critical thinking. 
• Familiarity with procurement and business administration.  
• Experience with manufacturing is a plus.
• Microsoft Office with advanced excel skills.
• Good communication skills (both oral and written) and presentation skills.
• Works well with others even during times of disagreement or pressure.
• Problem solving, quantitative skills and decision-making talent.
• Must be willing and able to work across functions and different levels of the organization.
• Must have a “doesn’t take no for an answer” mindset. 
• Team player - willing to go above and beyond for the success of the company even if it means taking on extra responsibility from time to time.
• Must have the ability to work through change and maintain a constructive and positive attitude.
• Ability to be a strategic and forward thinker.  
• Detail oriented. 
• Self-motivated - must be able to follow-up and maintain timelines while actively nurturing supplier relationships. 
• Prepare and deliver presentations, reporting, graphs. 
• wareness and understanding of supply chain and the interrelationship between procurement and the business preferred. 
• Reports to – Sr. Sourcing Manager 
• Direct Reports – None
• Indirect Reports – None

 The base pay range for this position in Illinois only is $61,893.33 to $86,650.66 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This pay range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.