JOB TITLE: Procurement Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Operations
REPORTS TO: Director, Supply Chain and Assembly
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
SALARY RANGE: $75,000 – $130,000 based on experience and an additional annual bonus
Position Overview:
The Procurement Specialist is responsible for managing procurement activities with a strong focus on cost optimization, price negotiation, and supplier strategy to support the production of communication equipment. This role goes beyond transactional purchasing and plays a critical role in driving cost savings, improving supplier commercial terms, and protecting company margins. The ideal candidate is a proactive negotiator with demonstrated experience reducing costs, analyzing pricing structures, and developing supplier relationships that deliver both short-term savings and long-term value. This individual will balance cost, quality, and delivery while operating in a fast-paced, highly regulated manufacturing environment.
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Key Responsibilities (Other Duties as assigned):
· Lead price negotiations with suppliers to achieve measurable cost reductions, improved payment terms, and value-added agreements
· Continuously analyze market trends, supplier pricing, and cost drivers to identify and execute cost savings opportunities
· Develop and implement cost-reduction strategies, including supplier consolidation, long-term agreements, and alternate sourcing
· Own total cost of ownership (TCO) evaluations, balancing price, lead time, quality, and risk
· Conduct should-cost and price benchmarking analyses to support negotiations
· Create, issue, and manage purchase orders (POs) for direct and indirect materials and services
· Review and validate pricing on all purchases, ensuring alignment with negotiated terms and cost targets
· Manage supplier acknowledgements, delivery commitments, and order accuracy
· Proactively manage order status, including expediting, de-expediting, and mitigation of supply risks
· Build and maintain strong supplier relationships while holding vendors accountable to cost, quality, and delivery performance
· Evaluate supplier performance and drive corrective actions where needed
· Partner with suppliers to identify engineering, process, or material alternatives that reduce costs without compromising quality
· Support sourcing initiatives, including RFQs, quote analysis, supplier selection, and supplier development
· Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning, and Quality to identify cost-saving design or sourcing opportunities
· Support resolution of shortages, nonconformances, and supplier-related issues with a cost-conscious approach
· Collaborate on make vs. buy and outsourcing decisions based on cost and capacity analysis
· Ensure all procurement activities comply with required quality standards, regulatory requirements, and flow-down provisions
· Track and report cost savings initiatives, supplier performance metrics, and procurement KPIs
· Support inventory optimization and working capital improvement initiatives
· Identify and implement process improvements to increase procurement efficiency and cost effectiveness
· Drive a culture of cost accountability and disciplined spending within the supply chain function
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Required Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Logistics, or related field (or equivalent experience)
· 3–7 years of procurement experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment
· Demonstrated success in price negotiation and cost savings initiatives
· Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate pricing, contracts, and cost structures
· Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
· Excellent communication, negotiation, and supplier management skills
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Excel); ERP/MRP experience preferred
· Ability to work in a manufacturing setting, including lifting up to 35–50 lbs as needed
· U.S. Citizenship required due to US Security Clearance
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Preferred Qualifications:
· Experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing environments
· Familiarity with ITAR/EAR compliance requirements
· Experience with outside processing (plating, machining, testing, etc.)
· Knowledge of cost modeling, should-cost analysis, or strategic sourcing methodologies
· Experience managing supplier contracts or long-term agreements
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Career Growth Opportunities
At Lite Coms, we are committed to developing talent and enabling growth within Supply Chain.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
· Build advanced expertise in strategic sourcing, negotiation, and cost optimization
· Take ownership of high-impact cost savings initiatives and supplier strategies
· Expand into roles such as Senior Buyer, Strategic Sourcing Specialist, or Commodity Manager
· Gain exposure to regulated environments, supplier development, and cross-functional leadership
Compensation & Work Environment
• Annual bonus opportunities.
• NY State Income Tax Exemption: Eligibility under the Start-Up NY program.
• Benefits: Health insurance is completely covered for the employee; employer-paid life insurance.
• 401k Match: 5% Employer Match
• Relocation: Please note that relocation assistance is not available for this position.
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Work Environment:
• Typical electronic design and assembly environment with occasional exposure to equipment noise and temperature variation.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Position involves hands-on engineering support in both lab and manufacturing environments.
Lite Coms LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or membership in any other group protected by law