Procurement Specialist (Manufacturing)

Hankook Tire•Clarksville, TN

About The Position

The Purchasing Specialist performs advanced or specialized duties in logistical contract negotiations, machinery and indirect purchasing—including MRO supplies, spare parts, and general supplies—and warehousing monthly audit processes. The position is part of the Purchasing Team and manages procurement activities that support plant operations and expansion projects. It works with internal teams and suppliers to source goods and services, negotiate commercial terms, coordinate deliveries and project milestones, monitor supplier performance, analyze spending, and maintain purchasing records and policy compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 2 years of relevant experience.
Good command of written and spoken English.
Knowledge of business and management principles, including strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, financial markets, banking, and financial data analysis and reporting.
Knowledge of customer and personal service principles and processes, including needs assessment, service quality standards, and customer satisfaction evaluation.
Knowledge of transportation principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including relative costs and benefits.
Critical-thinking ability to use logic and reasoning to assess alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches.
Reading comprehension to understand work-related documents.
Active-listening skills, including giving full attention, understanding points made, asking appropriate questions, and avoiding inappropriate interruptions.
Monitoring skills to assess performance and identify improvements or corrective action.
Ability to frequently move about the manufacturing plant campus, office environments, and production areas, and occasionally ascend or descend stairs.
Ability to remain stationary for 50% of the time.
Ability to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
Ability to position oneself to file documents in the top and bottom drawers of file cabinets.
Ability to occasionally move office equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Purchasing management major or an advanced degree in a related field.
Previous experience in the manufacturing industry.

Responsibilities

Manage purchasing activities for indirect materials, manufacturing consumables, MRO supplies, logistics services, contracted services, capital equipment, and facility construction and improvement projects.
Work with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, EHS, Logistics, and other internal teams to define specifications, scopes of work, delivery requirements, and project schedules.
Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers to build a competitive and reliable supply base for plant operations and expansion projects.
Prepare and issue RFQs, coordinate competitive bidding, and evaluate proposals based on technical requirements, pricing, quality, lead time, and total cost of ownership.
Conduct cost analyses and negotiate pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, warranties, and other commercial terms.
Prepare supplier selection recommendations and purchase approval documents with cost comparisons and negotiation results.
Coordinate purchasing agreements and service contracts with internal teams, defining deliverables, responsibilities, and performance expectations.
Create and maintain purchase orders in SAP, track deliveries and service completion, and resolve order, receipt, and invoice discrepancies.
Source and negotiate ocean freight, inland transportation, warehousing, and customs brokerage services; review freight quotations and invoices against agreed rates and terms.
Coordinate equipment delivery, installation, commissioning, and acceptance milestones with suppliers and internal project owners.
Monitor supplier performance in quality, delivery, cost, and service; address performance issues and develop alternative sources to reduce supply risks.
Analyze purchasing spend and market trends, identify cost-reduction opportunities, and report on savings, budgets, open commitments, and cash flow.
Maintain accurate purchasing records and comply with company purchasing policies, approval procedures, and applicable requirements.
Perform other purchasing-related duties as assigned by management.