Procurement Assistant Jobs in Lamar, MS (NOW HIRING)

Working within the Corporate Supply Chain Team, you will focus on building procurement capability at the facility level by delivering hands-on training, reinforcing best practices, and driving consistent use of purchasing systems across our manufacturing facilities. The successful candidate will work directly with facility level staff to strengthen execution, improve processes, and support operational performance. 

The successful candidate will possess a demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a high-functioning team environment.  This is a field-oriented role requiring regular travel to US operations.

What you'll do:

Cost Savings and Value Optimization

• Contribute to cost savings initiatives through improved procurement execution practices and standardization of purchasing behaviors across sites
• Identify opportunities for quality improvement and cost reduction within key spend categories such as MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) and production materials

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with internal departments to build systems and processes that streamline procurement workflows
• Partner closely with Operations, Finance, and site teams to support consistent adoption of procurement processes and resolve day-to-day purchasing challenges
• Facilitate alignment between vendor capabilities and operational requirements across multiple facilities

Continuous Improvement and Data-Driven Decision Making

• Participate in initiatives focused on improving procurement practices through standard work, training, and process consistency
• Support the development and tracking of vendor performance metrics and procurement KPIs
• Use data and site feedback to identify gaps in execution and drive targeted improvements through coaching and process reinforcement

Corporate Support and Maximo Leadership

• Serve as the primary corporate resource supporting facility-level Purchasers and Purchasing Managers, providing guidance, mentoring, and best practice recommendations
• Lead and support the use of Maximo procurement functions across US operations, including requisitions, purchase orders, and inventory processes
• Travel to site locations to deliver hands-on training and coaching, ensuring consistent system usage and adherence to standard processes
• Monitor adoption and data quality within Maximo and support continuous improvement in system utilization

Vendor Relationship Support

• Support and maintain collaborative relationships with a diverse range of vendors to ensure alignment with operational needs
• Train and guide site teams on effective vendor interaction practices, including communication, issue resolution, and performance management
• Partner with operations to identify vendor performance improvement opportunities and facilitate communication between stakeholders

Contract and Spend Analysis

• Assist in the analysis of spending patterns and vendor performance to identify opportunities for value creation
• Support the execution of sourcing and contracting activities while reinforcing proper procurement processes and compliance at the site level

What you will need:

• A post-secondary education in Operations Management, Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, or another relevant area
• 5 or more years of experience in procurement, supply chain or an operational role or sourcing in a manufacturing environment. 
• Strong understanding of site-level purchasing practices and procurement execution
• Experience with ERP systems; Maximo experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to train, coach, and influence teams across multiple locations
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly (approximately 50%)

What will make you stand out:

• Experience working with plant-level procurement or storeroom operations
• Proven ability to drive process adoption and behavioral change

Our highly competitive compensation package and outstanding benefits include:

• Benefits starting Day 1
• Competitive starting pay
• On-the-job training
• A culture that strongly believes in promoting from within
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision 
• 401k with company matching & retirement contribution
• Employee Stock Purchase plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid vacations and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program

 Invitation to Apply:

If you are ready to build your career in a company that thrives on growth, a safe work environment, rewarding work, challenge, and opportunity, come build your career with us at West Fraser: www.westfraser.com/careers

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please apply through our online application process as resumes will not be accepted at the site. No phone inquiries, please.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check, and a drug screen test.

West Fraser is a diversified wood products company producing lumber, OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and energy with over 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, and Europe. We are the largest lumber producer in North America, a leading global manufacturer of wood-based panels, and the world’s largest producer of oriented strand board (OSB). 

We are a growing company, believe strongly in promoting from within, and pride ourselves on providing a challenging environment with continuous development. The successful candidate should be interested in future growth opportunities within the company. 

Leadership through safety, profit, responsibility in communities, excellence in people and strength in products.

West Fraser is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D & Drug-Free Workplace