Senior Purchasing Specialist

Company Overview

GEP is a diverse, creative team of people passionate about procurement. We invest ourselves entirely in our client's success, creating strong collaborative relationships that deliver extraordinary value year after year. Our clients include market global leaders with far-flung international operations, Fortune 500 and Global 2000 enterprises, leading government and public institutions.

We deliver practical, effective services and software that enable procurement leaders to maximise their impact on business operations, strategy and financial performance. That's just some of the things that we do in our quest to build a beautiful company, enjoy the journey and make a difference. GEP is a place where individuality is prized, and talent respected. We're focused on what is real and effective. GEP is where good ideas and great people are recognized, results matter, and ability and hard work drive achievements. We're a learning organization, actively looking for people to help shape, grow and continually improve us.

Are you one of us?

GEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability status, or any other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to hiring and valuing a global diverse work team.

For more information please visit us on GEP.com or check us out on LinkedIn.com.

What you will do

As a Senior Purchasing Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in managing procurement

processes, ensuring the seamless flow of goods and services, and resolving complex purchasing

issues. You will be responsible for reviewing purchase requisitions, identifying sources of supply,

managing supplier relationships and ensuring compliance with company procurement strategies.

This role will also require you to work closely with internal teams and suppliers to resolve

discrepancies and optimize procurement operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review & Source Identification:
  • Review purchase requisitions to ensure accuracy and completeness.
  • Identify and select appropriate sources of supply, aligning with company procurement strategies and preferred suppliers.
  • Ensure requested items are available in catalogues and implement predefined actions when necessary.
• Purchase Order (PO) & Requisition Issue Resolution:
  • Identify and resolve issues related to Purchase Orders (PO) and Purchase Requisitions (PR) processing, such as discrepancies, delays, or system errors.
  • Act as a liaison between internal stakeholders and suppliers to troubleshoot issues and ensure timely resolution.
• Supplier Selection & Contract Management:
  • Select suppliers based on approved purchasing strategies, ensuring alignment with contract terms and cost-effective procurement.
  • Collaborate with internal buyers, client groups, and suppliers to address supply chain challenges, delivery issues, and process claims.
• Invoice & Disbursement Resolution:
  • Research and resolve discrepancies in invoices, account disbursements, and payments.
  • Work with suppliers and end users to resolve issues related to damaged or returned goods, invoice errors, and shipment delays.
• Vendor Master Data Management:
  • Maintain and update Vendor Master Records, ensuring accuracy for new vendor setups and modifications.
  • Ensure vendor data aligns with internal policies and is consistently updated across procurement systems.
• Supplier & End-User Collaboration:
  • Maintain professional, effective communication with suppliers and build strong partnerships with internal client users.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for resolving invoice discrepancies, damaged goods, and shipment delays.
• Customer Communication & Advising:
  • Advise internal customers on modifications to their original requests, provide alternatives where necessary, and ensure alignment with procurement policies

What you should bring

Skills and Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business, Procurement, or a related field. A master's degree or professional procurement certifications (e.g., CPM, CPSM) is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in procurement, with at least 3 years in a senior or specialist role, managing complex transactions and supplier negotiations.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Ariba) and advanced use of Excel for data analysis.
  • Expertise in contract negotiation and supplier management, with proven results in cost-saving initiatives.
  • Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong ability to analyze data, manage risks, and provide solutions to complex procurement challenges.
• Communication & Leadership: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and lead teams and projects.
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute procurement strategies that align with organizational goals and objectives.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and guide team members.
  • High attention to detail, with a focus on continuous improvement and cost efficiency.
  • Proactive, strategic mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
  • Excellent time management skills, capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast paced environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth in a global organization.