Purchasing Specialist

• Location: 127 South Front Street, Fremont, OH 43420
• Schedule: Monday - Thursday
• Weekly Hours: 34 hours per week
• Employment Type: Year-Round Full-Time
• Pay Rate: $45,000 - $60,000 per year, based on education and experience

Position Overview

The Procurement Specialist coordinates purchasing and vendor activities to ensure goods and services are obtained efficiently, competitively, and in compliance with organizational policies and applicable funding requirements. The position supports vendor sourcing, quotes and bids, purchasing documentation, contract and procurement compliance, cost management, and department purchasing needs while promoting effective stewardship of organizational resources.

Why Work for GLCAP?

When you work for Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP), you are part of a non-profit organization that helps individuals, families, and communities thrive. We are driven by integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect, and adaptability—the values that fuel our passion for making a difference in the lives of the people we serve. If you are looking for meaningful work where you make an impact every day, you will find it here at GLCAP.

Full-Time Benefits and Perks

• Work-Life Balance: 34-hour full-time workweek with three-day weekends
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance available from day one
• Health Savings: Health Savings and Flexible Savings Accounts with employer contributions
• Retirement: 403(b) plan with 4% employer match plus a 3% employer contribution
• Paid Time Off: Up to 6 weeks of combined vacation, personal, and sick leave accrued per year
• Paid Holidays: 12 observed holidays per year
• Income Protection: Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program and wellness incentives
• Professional Development: Education assistance and training opportunities

Education

Associate's degree in accounting, business administration, supply chain management, finance, public administration, or a related field.

Experience

Three years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing, procurement, vendor management, contract administration, finance, or a related business function. Experience obtaining and evaluating quotes, coordinating purchases, and maintaining accurate purchasing or vendor documentation. Demonstrated ability to interpret and follow organizational policies, procedures, and purchasing requirements.

Preferred experience with federally funded purchasing requirements, including the Uniform Guidance. Experience supporting vendor selection, contract administration, purchasing analysis, or cost-control initiatives. Professional procurement or supply-chain certification, such as CPPB, CPPO, CPSM, or equivalent certification a plus.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Coordinate the procurement of supplies, equipment, materials, and services for all departments, including obtaining price quotations, bids, and proposals in accordance with agency procurement procedures and Uniform Guidance.

Review purchase requests for cost effectiveness and identify alternative products, vendors, or purchasing methods that provide greater value to the organization.

Prepare and process purchase orders and procurement documentation; monitor order status; reconcile purchase orders, invoices, and receiving documentation; and resolve discrepancies with vendors and departments.

Develop and maintain current pricing information, pricing guides, approved product lists, and preferred vendor directories, including negotiated, contract, and preferred vendor pricing, to support consistent and cost-effective purchasing.

Research, evaluate, and maintain relationships with vendors based on pricing, quality, service, delivery timelines, reliability, and contractual requirements.

Provide guidance and technical assistance to department staff regarding purchasing procedures, approved vendors, procurement requirements, pricing resources, and purchasing recommendations.

Analyze purchasing trends and spending patterns, generate purchasing reports, identify opportunities for strategic sourcing, standardization, volume discounts, and cost savings, and collaborate with department managers to forecast future purchasing needs.

Coordinate with accounting for the maintenance of procurement files, vendor records, contracts, certificates of insurance, W-9 forms, and related documentation in accordance with record retention requirements.

Additional Requirements

• Must submit to initial and/or periodic state and/or federal criminal checks.
• Must submit to initial and periodic drug and alcohol testing.
• Join us in Helping Communities Thrive, One Neighbor at a Time.