• Procurement Category Specialist II

    International Paper (Memphis, TN)


    Procurement Category Specialist II

    Description:

    Title: Procurement Category Specialist II

     

    This position is responsible for the procurement of MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) materials required to support our converting facilities. The Buyer will effectively utilize the CSSS process in either a lead or support role to increase value to IP. Scope includes procurement strategy development, negotiations, advanced analytical tools, contract administration, warranty enforcement and ongoing supplier management across IP’s North American box plant system. Travel may be required on occasion to facilities for stakeholder alignment but would be limited for this role. IP spends upwards of $400MM per year on MRO materials in converting annually. This role will have responsibility for approximately $60-80 million annually in expenditures.

    RESPONSIBILITIES:

    1. Achieve targeted cost reduction goals in the purchase of MRO categories by lowering purchase price, streamlining processes, and negotiating better terms.

    2. Act as Lead/Assist Buyer for the execution of sourcing event (wave) activities for MRO Categories. Utilize the CSSS process to create effective strategies that deliver maximum cost reduction and value creation. Effective engagement and facilitation of a diverse team including plant stakeholders, other buyers, financial analysts, Source COE and other subject matter experts is essential to success.

    3. Must be able to formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists with decision making, policy formulation, or other purchasing functions.

    4. Lead or support supplier management activities with strategic suppliers.

    5. Act as the change management champion for contract categories they manage, with responsibility for implantation of new agreements and contract compliance across the category

    6. Lead and participate in activities with an 80/20 mindset to continuously improve processes and eliminate nonvalue added waste in the sourcing process.

    REQUIREMENTS:

    Bachelors Degree required. A minimum of 3 years work experience is needed with facility, industry, extended purchasing or capital project experience preferred. Successful candidates should have demonstrated leadership skills, technical aptitude, effective communication skills, analytical skills, an understanding of financial basics, the ability to work independently and the ability to act as a team player including the strength/ability to stand alone when necessary. Good PC skills are needed for accessing financial data, analyzing alternatives, and preparing presentations. Use of the following software programs is required; SAP, Sievo, Sharepoint, Excel, and Powerpoint.

    COMPETENCIES:

    Negotiating

     

    Action Oriented

     

    Drive for Results

     

    Priority Setting

     

    Timely Decision Making

     

    Decision Quality

     

    Conflict Management

     

    Dealing with Ambiguity

     

    Business Acumen

     

    Problem Solving

     

    Customer Focus

     

    Functional/Technical Skills

     

    Perseverance

     

    Technical Learning

     

    International Paper is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Females/Individuals with Disabilities/Veterans.

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    Location:

    MEMPHIS, TN, US, 38197

    Category: Sourcing

     

    Date: Jul 19, 2025

     

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