Associate Category Specialist
About The Position
Do you enjoy being involved in procurement for manufacturing and new product development? Hypertherm Associates is looking for an Associate Category Specialist with experience supporting procurement of industrial materials and equipment including electronics, tooling, and capital equipment to join our Waterjet team in Kent, Washington. In this role, your supply chain experience will be utilized to assess and mitigate risk, support new product introduction (NPI) activities, cultivate and execute cost savings initiatives, and execute projects. Join our unique business where you'll find plenty of opportunities to showcase your strengths, learn new skills, and drive process and procurement improvements. If you're ready to make a real impact, we want you on our team! Hypertherm Associates is the world leader in industrial cutting solutions. We are a 100% Associate-owned company with a no-layoff philosophy for over 55 years!
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline with 2-3 years supply chain experience
- Proven analytical skills (cost/benefit analysis, make/buy decision-modeling, etc.)
- Strong written and verbal presentation and communication skills
- Proven experience in contract development and negotiation skills
- Strong attention to detail
Nice To Haves
- ISM and/or APICS certification
- Green/Black Belt Certified
- Knowledge of Lean/JIT Methodology
- Knowledge of Purchasing modules in Oracle or similar ERP system
Responsibilities
- Support the team in helping ensure materials are delivered on time, at the best available price, and meet quality requirements
- Work with guidance from experienced team members to communicate with suppliers about pricing, deliveries, inventory changes, and product updates
- Gather and share supplier performance information to support sourcing decisions, team discussions, and follow-up actions
- Assist with identifying, tracking, and documenting cost-saving opportunities for current manufacturing and future projects
- Create and update purchase orders and related documentation by following established processes and guidance
- Support contract compliance, invoicing questions, and Engineering Change Order activities by reviewing information and tracking details with guidance
- Participate in cross-functional meetings and cost reduction projects by completing assigned tasks, gathering data, and supporting project follow-up
Benefits
- Profit-Sharing
- Employee Stock Ownership
- Five days/year Community Service Time
- Strong commitment to Environmental Stewardship
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
