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Senior Procurement Specialist Jobs in Decatur, IL

Sr. Specialist, Black Belt, CI | Primient About Primient Primient is a century old company with an ... like Manufacturing, Procurement, Supply Chain (planning, transportation, warehousing), etc ...

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Senior Procurement Specialist information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$47K

$82.9K

$119.8K

How much do senior procurement specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior procurement specialist in Decatur, IL is $82,891.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,900.00 and $96,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior procurement specialist?

Senior Procurement Specialists are experienced professionals responsible for sourcing goods and services for an organization, negotiating contracts, and ensuring that purchases meet quality and budget requirements. They typically oversee procurement activities, manage supplier relationships, and develop strategies to optimize spending. Their role often includes analyzing market trends, evaluating suppliers, and ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations. Senior Procurement Specialists play a critical part in supporting business operations through efficient and cost-effective procurement practices.

What does a senior procurement specialist do?

A senior procurement specialist is the head position in a department that researches goods and services for a company, ensuring the best quality for the lowest cost. Their responsibilities include purchasing products, assessing the performance of suppliers or vendors, overseeing other staff members, and building long-term relationships. They also develop strategies for the success of the company, maintain inventory, negotiate pricing, and produce reports to share with management. A senior procurement specialist collaborates with accounting, marketing, finance, and other various departments as well as external vendors. To become a senior procurement specialist, you need a bachelor’s or master's degree in administration, finance, accounting, or a similar area. Professional certifications may be required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior procurement specialist?

To thrive as a Senior Procurement Specialist, you need expertise in supply chain management, contract negotiation, and sourcing strategy, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software (like SAP Ariba or Oracle Procurement Cloud) and certifications such as CPSM or CIPS are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and stakeholder management set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure effective cost control, risk mitigation, and strong supplier relationships to support organizational goals.

What are some typical challenges faced by senior procurement specialists, and how can they be effectively managed?

Senior Procurement Specialists often encounter challenges such as balancing cost savings with quality requirements, managing supplier relationships across diverse regions, and navigating complex contract negotiations. Staying proactive with market research and supplier evaluations, as well as fostering strong cross-departmental communication, are key strategies for success. Leveraging procurement technology and continuous professional development also help in addressing these challenges and ensuring efficient procurement processes.

What is the difference between Senior Procurement Specialist vs Procurement Analyst?

AspectSenior Procurement SpecialistProcurement Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, or related field; professional certifications like CPSM or CPSD are commonUsually holds a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or related area; certifications like CPSM are advantageous
Work EnvironmentWorks within procurement teams, managing supplier relationships, negotiations, and procurement strategiesFocuses on data analysis, market research, and reporting to support procurement decisions
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in manufacturing, retail, and government sectorsFound across industries for analyzing procurement data and optimizing purchasing processes

The main difference is that Senior Procurement Specialists are more involved in strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations, while Procurement Analysts focus on data analysis and market research to inform procurement strategies. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in daily responsibilities and focus areas.

How much does a senior procurement specialist make in the US?

A senior procurement specialist in the US typically earns between $70,000 and $110,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often require strong negotiation skills and familiarity with procurement software to succeed in their role.

What job categories do people searching Senior Procurement Specialist jobs in Decatur, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Procurement Specialist jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Senior Procurement Specialist jobs?

Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Senior Procurement Specialist job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Procurement Specialist job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,891 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Sr. Specialist, Black Belt, CI

Primient

Decatur, IL

$67K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Sr. Specialist, Black Belt, CI | PrimientAbout Primient

Primient is a century old company with an entrepreneurial spirit. We are a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable sources. We deliver value through deep technical, commercial, and operational excellence that is backed by our long-standing corn wet milling heritage. Wherever we are in the process, from field to customer, our priorities are focused on ensuring we produce the safest, highest quality products through practices that uphold both our responsibility and commitments to the challenge and drive for excellence, our people and our planet. We are a privately held company with locations across the US, Mexico, Poland, and Brazil. We're investing in our plants and people to unlock our potential in the industrial and food sectors. Guided by our values of Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Growth, we're focused on growing our business, our reputation, and the career of every teammate.

About the Role

The Sr. Specialist, Black Belt, CI sits within Manufacturing Continuous Improvement team and contributes to operational excellence by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and executing foundational CI initiatives. This role will focus enabling data systems and advanced analytics to drive business insights. This role is responsible for leading and mentoring teams in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, driving targeted process improvement initiatives, and embedding sustainable daily operational and business efficiencies. Additionally, the Sr. Specialist, Black Belt, CI champions Primient's core values of integrity, growth, and excellence, playing a key role in achieving and maintaining high standards of operational performance.

Primary Responsibilities: Sr. Specialist, Black Belt

  • Analyze Operational Data to Drive Improvements: Utilize data analytics to identify root causes of inefficiencies and implement strategic projects focused on operational optimization.
  • Manage Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Process improvement Projects: Lead process improvement projects with Plant and Transactional leadership to enhance plant efficiency, improve product quality, and reduce operating costs. Facilitate configuration and use of data systems to drive insights.
  • Monitor and Report Performance Metrics: monitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure project success. Provide regular reports and insights to project sponsors and leadership to track progress.
  • Facilitate Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Guide cross-functional teams through improvement initiatives, facilitating workshops and ensuring execution of process improvement activities as directed by the Primient Operating System (POM).
  • Mentor and Coach Lean Six Sigma Green Belts: Provide mentorship and coaching to Green Belts and project team members, helping them build Lean Six Sigma capabilities and drive continuous improvement.
  • Support Primient Operating Model (POM) Implementation: Drive the plant-level implementation of POM, ensuring alignment with operations goals. Provide strategic consultations to plant teams to ensure effective and uniform implementation.
  • Champion a Safety-First Culture: Advocate for and model a "Safety First" culture. Provide tools and lead projects that enhance safety standards and improve safety outcomes.

Knowledge

  • Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement Methodologies
  • Statistical, Simulation, Data, and Analytical Tools (e.g. Aveva PI, Data historian, Informance, OEE/Loss tracking, PowerBI, Seeq, ERP, SAP, MiniTab)
  • Continuous Manufacturing Processes (operations, maintenance, EHS, quality)
  • Microsoft Applications

Skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Project Management
  • Critical Thinking
  • Data analysis & interpretation
  • Influential leadership
  • Time management & prioritization
  • Risk monitoring and mitigation
  • Facilitation
  • Change Management

Mindsets

  • Continuous Improvement approach
  • Challenges the status-quo
  • Action-oriented
  • Composed under pressure
  • Safety-first
  • Results-driven
  • Data-driven
  • Flexible & Adaptable

Required and Preferred Education/Certification

  • Certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Leader or greater (required)
  • Bachelors Degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), supply chain, business administration, or finance (preferred)
  • Certification in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or willingness to become certified (preferred)

Required and Preferred Work Experience

  • 3+ years experience contributing as part of data driven teams like Manufacturing, Procurement, Supply Chain (planning, transportation, warehousing), etc. (required)
  • 3+ years in a manufacturing organization in a decision-making capacity (preferred)
  • 3+ years experience leading complex continuous improvement projects (preferred)
  • Lean Six Sigma Experience (preferred)
Total RewardsThe annual pay range estimated for this position is $93,357.60 - $116,697.00 and is bonus eligible.

Please note that while this range reflects the full spectrum of compensation available for this role, individual compensation will be determined based on several factors including your experience, skills, and alignment with the role's responsibilities. During the interview process there will be an opportunity to discuss how your background fits into the pay range.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

  • Competitive Pay

  • Multiple Healthcare plan choices

  • Dental and vision insurance

  • A 401(k) plan with company and matching contributions

  • Short- and Long-Term Disability

  • Life, AD&D, and Voluntary Insurance plans

  • Paid holidays & vacation

  • Floating days off

  • Parental leave for new parents

  • Employee resource groups

  • Learning & development programs

  • Fun culture where you have an opportunity in shaping our future

Career Path & Culture

Primient is committed to a workplace that is all in - ensuring everyone has the opportunity to develop and shape a career that matters in an open culture which embraces equity, diversity and belonging. We challenge old ways of thinking; and encourage employee voices to be a guiding force for ongoing learning.

Primient supports a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe our differences make better decisions, drive excellence, and deliver better business results. Primient employees experience autonomy and accountability in their role. Here, employees control their destiny as there is opportunity for career growth and pathways outside the norm.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are believers in the power of difference. We strive to represent the communities in which we operate and to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. We want Primient to be a place where every employee feels they belong and knows they are seen, heard, valued and safe to speak up. Our aspiration is to unlock the full potential in diverse perspectives, while offering everyone an equal chance to grow,

Primient is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.

California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA")

The Company is committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") and all data privacy and laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. We collect the following categories of personal information for the purpose of hiring the best qualified applicants and to comply with applicable employment laws: Name and contact information; Job preference and work availability; Social Security Number and/or other identification information; Education and qualifications; Employment history and experience; Military service; Reference and background check information, including relevant criminal history and credit history; Social media information; Pre-employment test results; Post-offer medical examination information and results, including drug test results; Voluntary self-disclosure information regarding minority, veteran, and disability status; and Information provided by you during the hiring process.