ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Indirect Procurement Associate Jobs in California

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsIndirect Procurement Associate JobsIndirect Procurement Associate Jobs in California

Indirect Procurement Associate information

What is an indirect procurement associate?

Indirect Procurement Associates are professionals responsible for sourcing and purchasing goods and services that are not directly involved in a company's core product or service offering. These can include categories like office supplies, IT services, marketing, travel, and facility management. Their main role is to negotiate contracts, manage supplier relationships, and ensure cost-effective procurement while maintaining quality and compliance. They often work closely with other departments to understand their needs and help optimize spending across the organization.

What is the difference between Indirect Procurement Associate vs Direct Procurement Associate?

AspectIndirect Procurement AssociateDirect Procurement Associate
ResponsibilitiesProcures goods and services that support daily operations (office supplies, IT services)Procures raw materials and components for production
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, cross-functional teamsManufacturing or production facilities
Required SkillsNegotiation, supplier management, procurement processesSupply chain knowledge, technical understanding of products

The main difference lies in the scope of procurement: Indirect Procurement Associates focus on supporting operational needs, while Direct Procurement Associates handle materials directly involved in product creation. Both roles require strong negotiation skills and procurement knowledge, but their focus areas and work environments differ.

Is procurement a stressful job?

Procurement roles, including those of an Indirect Procurement Associate, can be stressful due to tight deadlines, supplier negotiations, and managing multiple priorities. Success often depends on strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle pressure in a fast-paced environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an indirect procurement associate?

To excel as an Indirect Procurement Associate, you need a solid grasp of supply chain management, cost analysis, and contract negotiation, often supported by a degree in business, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software like SAP Ariba, e-sourcing tools, and knowledge of relevant certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is valuable. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and stakeholder management skills help build effective vendor relationships and drive process improvements. These capabilities are crucial for optimizing procurement processes, reducing costs, and ensuring organizational compliance and efficiency.

What are common challenges faced by an indirect procurement associate, and how can they be addressed?

Indirect Procurement Associates often encounter challenges such as managing diverse supplier relationships, balancing cost savings with quality, and aligning procurement strategies with various internal stakeholders’ needs. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong communication skills, effective negotiation, and adaptability to shifting priorities. Building collaborative relationships with both suppliers and internal teams, as well as leveraging procurement technologies, can help streamline processes and ensure procurement goals are met.
What are the most commonly searched types of Indirect Procurement jobs in California? The most popular types of Indirect Procurement jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Indirect Procurement Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Indirect Procurement Associate job openings:
Indirect Procurement Associate jobs near you

Senior Subcontracts Specialist, Indirect

Vast

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 hours ago

Job description

Vast is looking for a Senior Subcontracts Specialist, Indirect reporting to the Director of Indirect Supply Chain, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations. 

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Develop category specific strategies for Indirect (Facilities, Capital Equipment and Services) to deliver high quality and low cost solutions for Vast Operations and Manufacturing Customers
  • Interface with key Vast Customers including Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering and and senior leadership to understand the strategic direction, capital requirements and business priorities
  • Manage the procurement process - RFI/RFQ/RFPs, negotiations, etc. - for Indirect projects.  Scope includes managing supplier planning and execution, coordination, contract preparation, negotiation and execution.
  • Directly manage suppliers for Indirect spend (including equipment, engineering & design, and construction), category through supplier scorecards, quarterly business reviews; measuring contract compliance and other key metrics to ensure targets/ schedules are being met and value is being delivered to the business
  • Ensure all sourcing activities are conducted in accordance with proper procedures and protocols. Track execution to sourcing and procuring plans for all projects per cost and timeline
  • Seek alternate and innovative ideas to provide business solutions, challenge requirements and specifications to create competitive advantage

Minimum Qualifications

  • Familiarity and experience in negotiating contracts and terms and conditions, specifically AIA Agreements
  • Experience in all aspects of the Indirect Procurement process, from demand identification through fulfillment
  • Associates degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)

Preferred Skills & Experience

  • Bachelors of Science degree in Business or Engineering discipline 
  • Experience with subcontracts, purchasing or contracts within an aerospace environment
  • Negotiation skills with contracts exceeding $1 million with tight deadline requirements 
  • Experience in conducting presentations to senior leadership

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to travel up to 20% of the time
  • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Apply