Job Title: Senior Procurement Specialist, Leadership Development Program

Location: Evansville, Indiana (47715), United States

Reports To: Director of Purchasing

Job Summary

The Senior Procurement Specialist, Leadership Development Program is a pivotal strategic role designed to cultivate the next generation of procurement leadership for our companies headquartered in Evansville, IN. For an approximate 18-month period, this individual will undertake critical daily operational responsibilities, including expediting and ensuring the timely delivery of essential materials, with a primary focus on plastic resin and minor ingredients. The purchasing department’s activities support seven production facilities located throughout the United States.

Concurrently, this individual will engage in a structured and comprehensive cross-training program under the mentorship of the current Director of Purchasing. The program encompasses in-depth exposure to strategic sourcing, high-level vendor management, complex contract negotiation, and overall departmental oversight, laying the groundwork for future leadership. Additionally, the role involves dedicated cross-functional immersion within logistics and inventory control to gain a holistic understanding of our integrated supply chain.

Upon successful completion of this development period, this role is slated to transition into oversight of our corporate procurement department, assuming full responsibility for all purchasing activities, team leadership, and reporting to company ownership.

Key Responsibilities (Initial ~18-Month Development Period):

Expediting & Operational Support: Serve as the primary expeditor for key raw materials, including plastic resin and minor ingredients, proactively managing supplier communications and logistics to ensure on-time delivery and production continuity across all seven facilities. Identify and resolve order discrepancies, shipping errors, and quality issues in collaboration with suppliers and internal departments.
Strategic Learning & Mentorship:
Shadow and actively learn from the Director of Purchasing across all facets of the role, including the development and execution of strategic procurement plans, market analysis and risk mitigation strategies.
Participate in high-level supplier negotiations, strategic planning sessions, and cross-functional business reviews.
Gain deep insights into commodity markets, particularly for plastic resin, including pricing dynamics, hedging strategies, and alternative material sourcing.
Observe and learn departmental leadership principles, performance management, and team development strategies, preparing for future management responsibilities.
Cross-Functional Supply Chain Integration:
Collaborate extensively with Logistics to understand inbound freight, warehousing optimization, and transportation management.
Work closely with Inventory Control to learn best practices in raw material inventory management, forecasting, and waste reduction.
Engage with manufacturing management and corporate accounting to align procurement activities with broader company objectives and product development cycles.
Process Enhancement: Identify and recommend improvements to existing purchasing and supply chain processes, contributing to increased efficiency and effectiveness.
Data Analysis & Reporting: Conduct in-depth analysis of purchasing data, supplier performance metrics, and market trends to support strategic decision-making and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
Master's degree (MBA or MS in Supply Chain) or equivalent experience preferred.
Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CPSM - Certified Professional in Supply Management, CSCP - Certified Supply Chain Professional) highly desirable.
Experience:
Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain roles, with a strong emphasis on direct materials in a manufacturing environment.
Specific experience with plastic resin procurement, chemicals, or other commodity-based purchasing is highly preferred.
Demonstrated experience with managing significant spend and understanding the complexities of large-scale procurement operations for multiple locations.
Experience collaborating cross-functionally with operations, logistics, and inventory control.
Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Skills:
Exceptional organizational and project management skills to balance operational duties with strategic learning.
Strong proactive communication skills (written and verbal) to effectively interact with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
Superior analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a meticulous attention to detail.
High learning agility, strong intellectual curiosity, and a demonstrated ambition for leadership.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of cross-functional teams.
Foundational negotiation skills and a strong understanding of supply chain risk management.
High level of integrity, professional maturity, and ethical conduct.

Who We Are

Cresline is a fourth-generation, family-owned American company that has been manufacturing and distributing engineered plastic solutions since 1949, making it the oldest name in the industry. Operating multiple plants across the United States, Cresline produces a comprehensive range of high-quality PVC, Polyethylene, and CPVC piping for various uses. As a pioneer that helped establish industry standards, Cresline prides itself on quality, service, and its commitment to being the best supplier for its customers. This is complemented by its sister company, Wabash Plastics, a leader in high-quality, advanced injection-molded plastics for consumer products, automotive, and HVAC industries.

Compensation Package

Our industry-leading compensation package is designed to reward top talent. It includes:

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Company-Paid Life Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Paid Holidays and Vacation
401k with both Company Contribution and Company Match
Tuition Reimbursement
And More

Equal Opportunity Statement

Cresline is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

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SENIOR PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST

Job Type