Sr Specialist, Indirect Procurement
Company
KeHE Distributors
Location
Naperville, IL
Other
Supply Chain/Logistics
Why Work for KeHE?
- Full-time
- Pay Range: $65,120.00/Yr. - $86,680.00/Yr.
- Shift Days: , Shift Time:
- Benefits on Day 1
- Health/Rx
- Dental
- Vision
- Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
- Supplemental life insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid time off
- Paid sick time
- Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
- Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
- Holiday pay for company designated holidays
Overview
Good people, working with good people, for our common good.
Sound good?
KeHE-a natural, organic, specialty and fresh food distributor-is all about "good" and is growing, so there's never been a more exciting time to join our team. If you're enthusiastic about working in an environment with a people-first culture and an organization committed to good living, good food and good service, we'd love to talk to you!
Primary Responsibilities
The Senior Indirect Procurement Specialist will be reporting to the Director, Indirect Procurement and responsible for proactively supporting the indirect procurement function (source-to-pay) across multiple categories including IT, MRO, facility supplies, utilities and professional services. This role will play a key part in sourcing, negotiating and managing suppliers within the assigned areas of spend to drive value and efficiency, impacting the company's bottom line. As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE's Mission, Vision, and Values.
Essential Functions
DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist in developing and executing indirect procurement strategies, best practices and initiatives that align with the company and team's goals in cost savings, mitigate risks and ensure compliance.
- Create sourcing events (RFx) and help drive supplier selection/onboarding.
- Conduct cost/spend analysis to evaluate value and identify savings opportunities to recommend and help make informed decisions on purchases.
- Negotiate with suppliers on pricing, terms and contracts to secure cost saving/avoidance and other operational gains.
- Assess and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and optimization of indirect procurement policies, processes and tools to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
- Support the procure to pay process from requisition to pay to ensure compliance with company policies.
- Partner up and collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with the business needs/requirements and execution of defined strategies.
- Serve as an escalation point for supplier performance issues and help achieve timely and satisfactory resolution.
- Help build strategic relationships with supplier partners and track their performance and risk including participation in business reviews, to ensure continuous improvement in cost, quality and delivery.
- Conduct market research and analysis to identify applicable industry trends and best practices, create benchmarks and opportunities with prospective suppliers.
- Other duties and projects as assigned.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
- Strong communication skills to interface and influence stakeholders (both internal and external) of all levels and build trust.
- Knowledge of category management, strategic sourcing, contracts, and supplier risk/relationship management practices.
- Proven ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments to ensure timely performance and completion.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment pivoting between the two as needed.
- Strong analytical skills with attention to detail in evaluating supplier terms, benchmarking data and identifying opportunities.
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.
- Proficient in procurement and e-signature software. Experience in SAP Ariba a plus.
Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- BA/BS in Business, Supply Chain, Finance or related field. Advanced degrees (Master's) and/or professional certifications (CPSM, CPP, CPSD) a plus.
- 3+ years of progressive work experience in developing and applying indirect procurement strategies and best practices in sourcing, contracting, procure-to-pay and supplier relationship management.
- Experience in managing and working on projects involving cross-functional teams and leadership.
- Experience in conducting indirect procurement activities using procurement software such as Ariba, Coupa, etc.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stand; walk; talk or hear; and use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 20 pounds.
Requisition ID
2025-27563
Equal Employer Opportunity Statement
KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.