Procurement Associate Jobs in Alpharetta, GA (NOW HIRING)

This position is responsible for the support of all Procurement activities in the categories of Intermodal Rail Services and related activities as required.   The Specialist is a detail-oriented, results-driven individual who excels at interpersonal communication as much as they do at crunching numbers. They will distill complex data into information that is actionable and meaningful, and they never stop searching for lower prices, higher quality, and better overall value.  As a Specialist, the incumbent in this position assists the Management of Intermodal Rail Services Procurement.     

• Associate's degree in related field and a minimum of 3 years of experience in the Maritime Industry or the equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Possesses specialized knowledge of 3 or more years within all principles of the Operations function. 

• Understands most shipping terms; can use a dictionary to find terms not recognized. Is willing to clarify shipping terms unique to a location. Understands routings, schedules and general practices of various countries, carriers, ports, and terminals. 

• Exceptional Excel knowledge - Working with data, pivot tables, macros, data analysis tools, Advanced Functions & Formulas and Linked-Workbooks

• Mathematical- Must be able to check and double-check all of the data, which back up their analysis and recommendations to management. 

• Financial acumen - Making informed purchasing decisions involves the implementation of financial skills such as accurately budgeting and forecasting.

• Advanced Power Point knowledge - Use of Think-Cell, waterfall, and cost bridge graphs 

• SAP - working knowledge of SAP.

• Communication- Due to the importance of maintaining relationships with suppliers, needs to have excellent communication skills and be comfortable talking to all levels of management (internal or external).

• Ability to work independently --Be able to prioritize tasks and work efficiently on their own.

• High level of organization -Protect their organizations from as much unnecessary expenditure as possible by 

• This position is in the United States and requires eligibility to work in the United States and completion of the employment eligibility form required under federal law

1. Analysis, budgeting, costs

• Category budget preparation and submission in coordination with Corporate Controlling.

• Exercise discretion and independent judgment in matters of significance, including categorizing cost.

• Financial analysis of costs, volumes, budgets, suppliers and individual cost elements.

• Calculation and tracking of cost savings programs.

• Utilizes data from company data warehouse and operative system for use in analytical reporting.

• Submits monthly key productivity reports. 

• Continuous reporting of volume commitments, conditions, incentives, supplier performance, KPIs

2.    Procurement / pricing

• Analyze tender bids and rate offers including detailed mathematical scenario calculations

• Exercise discretion and independent judgment in matters of significance, including analyzing specific rates for pricing purposes.

• Design and preparation of tender bids, RFI, RFQs, and pricing events 

• Prepare and support negotiations and contracts for Region North America

• Support the Procurement team in daily activities including negotiations. 

• Trouble shoot and resolve issues.

3.    Process

• Ensure Compliance with global processes and procedures.

• Participate in the development of cost control procedures. 

• Participation in HL working groups, business processes reviews and any areas requested by Senior Management and GSP.

4.    Compliance and Vessel Partner Coordination

• Administrative assistance to procurement for all VSA, Industry and Compliance committees and working groups.

5.    Tariff and Administration

• Provides ad-hoc Statistical support.

• Generates data and reports on key performance indicators and internal benchmark programs.

• Gathers data from company data warehouse and operative systems for use in analytical reporting.

• Maintain and trouble shoot tariffs in SAP 

• Coordination of all Supplier (Risk) Management activities as e.g., regular supplier evaluations (including but not limited to QEM on/off site audits and SSAQ compliance)

• Development activities and onboarding/offboarding of new suppliers (contracts) in the Region including maintenance of documentation checklist and approved supplier lists.

• Provides Administrative Support to the procurement team.

• Coordination of Supplier Hierarchy in FIS 

• Onboarding and catalog maintenance in Zycus, FIS and SAP (Contract, Supplier Info, hierarchy, etc.)

• Prepare Senior Management for Supplier visits with executive overviews.