Procurement Intern - Summer 2027

POET • Sioux Falls, SD

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an on-site internship role at POET’s corporate headquarters in Sioux Falls, SD, for Summer 2027. The Procurement Intern will provide key support to the Procurement team by assisting with managing bid requests, researching and analyzing vendor spend, ensuring timely delivery of goods, and performing data entry. The role involves professional execution of the procurement process, including contract and bidding management, purchase order processing, delivery, installation, and performance tracking. This may also include order tracking, spend analysis, and operations analytics. POET is committed to converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods, aiming to be a leader in sustainable products.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Junior or senior level status working toward a bachelor’s degree majoring in an accredited program, preferably in Business, Economics, Supply Chain, or Engineering.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills as well as the ability to adapt to change.
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability of learning new programs.

Nice To Haves

• High level of personal integrity
• Eager to learn and change the world.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic and changing environment.
• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization
• Demonstrated relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to embrace and promote change
• Innovative mindset
• Ability to think objectively
• Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty
• Ability to work in a team environment

Responsibilities

• Working with internal stakeholders to plan and execute requests for proposals and/or bid packages, including bid receipt confirmation, documentation management and bid review and selection process.
• Analyzing spend in assigned categories to identify opportunities to increase value.
• Researching industry trends and leaders to provide strategic recommendations to internal business units.
• Extracting and summarizing data from our procurement software.
• Assisting with vendor relationship management including researching potential new vendors, negotiations and business reviews.
• Reviewing and updating contractor compliance and qualification status of vendors.
• Following up with vendors to ensure on-time delivery of goods.
• Compiling information from multiple data sources to create vendor scorecards.
• Providing timely status updates on projects and tasks.

Benefits

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• On-site fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED