Job Description
Job Description
Description :
Red Dot Corporation, the leading producer of premium mobile HVAC units and components for heavy-duty commercial and military vehicles, is recruiting for the following position :
Procurement Specialist
Department : Procurement
Reports to : Purchasing Manager
Summary Description :
The Procurement Specialist based in Memphis, TN is responsible for executing the tactical supply chain strategy for their assigned parts, with a strong focus on Aftermarket purchasing (90%) and limited OE production support (10%). This role plays a critical part in ensuring material availability, meeting department Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and maintaining the health of daily purchasing operations.
Job Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions) :
- Evaluate and improve procurement practices, policies, and supplier agreements; recommend process improvements that support Lean initiatives and business goals.
- Conduct price analyses and lead competitive bid events.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers—targeting cost savings, improved lead times, and long-term supply stability.
- Serve as the primary contact for assigned suppliers, managing communication, issue resolution, and performance.
- Support Quality team by coordinating with suppliers on the return of non-conforming materials and facilitating credits.
- Prepare and manage open order reports; communicate MRP exceptions and delivery risks to suppliers to ensure they meet current delivery requirements.
- Manage inventory levels and implement material replenishment strategies that meet Aftermarket stocking needs and OE production requirements.
- Utilize MRP data to generate purchase orders, schedule deliveries, and ensure product availability to support production and Aftermarket customer demand.
- Monitor KPIs – including inventory turns, on-time delivery, and inventory value targets.
- Act as a liaison between the Memphis production team and the OE procurement team in Puyallup, WA to escalate urgent component shortages or production issues.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with internal stakeholders (Production, Quality, Engineering, Sales) to identify supply risks and develop resolution plans.
- Support new initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement efforts across the department.
- Track and manage surplus and obsolete inventory; recommend and execute disposition strategies.
- Maintain accurate item setups within the MRP system.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities :
Demonstrates professionalism and serves as a positive representative of the company at all times, fostering a solution-oriented, collaborative approach in all interactions.Maintains comprehensive knowledge of company policies, quality procedures, and relevant compliance standards at the local, state, and federal levels.Actively contributes to departmental goals and performance targets; champions and implements new company initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.Provides expert-level internal and supplier support, serving as a subject matter expert in supply chain matters. Proactively identifies issues and recommends strategic solutions to management.Works independently and as part of a cross-functional team with minimal supervision; exercises sound judgment in alignment with company policy and regulatory compliance.Communicates regularly with leadership regarding progress, risks, or deviations from schedule.Continuously seeks process improvements and contributes to Lean, VMI, and Kanban initiatives to drive operational efficiency and reduce waste.Presents a professional demeanor, using clear and respectful verbal and non-verbal communication in all business interactions.Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills—approaching challenges with curiosity, transparency, and a commitment to root-cause resolution.Possesses excellent communication skills for engaging with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers :o Practices active listening and communicates clearly in both written and verbal formats.
o Maintains composure and professionalism under pressure; adept at de-escalating conflict and promoting constructive dialogue
o Navigates cross-cultural dynamics with sensitivity and adaptability
Thrives in a dynamic environment, balancing multiple priorities while upholding high standards for accuracy, quality, and service.Alignment with Company Values – R.I.S.E.
This position exemplifies our R.I.S.E. values :
Respect : Engages with others thoughtfully, assumes positive intent, and communicates with care.Integrity : Acts with honesty, follows through on commitments, and solves problems without blame.Service : Puts customer and internal stakeholder needs first, and looks for collaborative, value-driven solutions.Excellence : Maintains a commitment to quality, detail, and continuous improvement.As a Procurement Specialist, you’re not just managing supply chains – you’re rising to the occasion by delivering excellence, owning your work, and representing the company’s values in every interaction.
Requirements :
Level Requirements (Minimum) :
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field is requiredExperience
Minimum 4+ years of purchasing experience is required.Advanced user-level experience with MRP (3+ years preferred); experience within an ERP / MRP-based manufacturing environment strongly preferred.Demonstrated working knowledge of Lean principles and their application in a supply chain or manufacturing context.Technical Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) is required.Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data for decision-making and supplier negotiations.Physical Requirements :
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job :
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and / or hear.The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms.Must have the ability to sit or stand at computer for extended periods of timeThe employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 50 pounds.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.Sufficient manual dexterity and motor control to use common drafting implements and calculators.Red Dot Corporation offers the following total compensation package for this role :
Paid Sick Time / Paid Sick and Safe Time.Personal Time Off (PTO)Average of 14 paid holidays per year.Employer sponsored PPO Medical Plans, with employer subsidized premiums of at least 70% for non-tobacco users.Employer sponsored PPO Dental Plans dental, with employer subsidized premiums of at least 70% for non-tobacco users.Employer sponsored Vision Plans.Free Employee Assistance Program to all employees.Free Benefit Advocate access for insurance benefit inquiries.401(k) employer contribution of 3% of annual salaryregardless of participation.100% ESOP Company, with vesting beginning after 1,000 hours.Employer Paid Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) premiums.Employer Paid Long Term Disability Insurance premiums.Employer Paid Washington State FML payroll taxes.Voluntary Benefits such as : Flexible Spending Accounts, Daycare Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability Insurance, etc.Salary grade levels and placement are all based on a number of factors, including but not limited to : applicable experience, education, skill set, market.Red Dot is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.
