Job Details

Job Title: Category Buyer / Procurement Specialist - Tactical Procurement
Duration: 12-month contract
Location: Portland, OR (hybrid)
Pay Range: $32.04 - $35.26 per hour

The Category Buyer / Procurement Specialist is an intermediate-level professional role reporting to the Procurement Manager. This position provides tactical procurement support for assigned categories and serves as the primary link between strategic category planning and execution. Responsibilities include managing mid-complexity sourcing events, supporting contract negotiations, coordinating supplier interactions, and ensuring procurement outcomes are timely, compliant, and cost-effective. The role applies intermediate procurement knowledge and experience to deliver value, improve processes, and support stakeholder requirements across the sourcing lifecycle. This is a hybrid position requiring three days per week onsite and two days per week remote.

Position Responsibilities:

• Execute RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs in alignment with established category strategies.
• Develop bid packages, evaluate supplier responses, and manage structured evaluation processes.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and contractual conditions for mid-complexity categories.
• Ensure full compliance with procurement policies, governance standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Draft, review, and execute contracts, renewals, amendments, and terminations.
• Maintain accurate contract documentation and ensure alignment with procurement workflows.
• Monitor contract expiration dates and ensure timely updates to maintain audit readiness.
• Serve as the primary supplier contact for tactical matters, performance discussions, and issue resolution.
• Support supplier onboarding activities and ensure adherence to governance standards.
• Monitor supplier performance and escalate concerns to Category Managers when appropriate.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to define procurement requirements, timelines, and deliverables.
• Provide guidance on procurement processes and maintain effective communication throughout the sourcing lifecycle.
• Apply procurement best practices and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Support cost optimization initiatives within defined tactical scopes.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2-3 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, contract management, or category management.
• Experience leading RFx events and negotiating contracts for mid-complexity categories.
• Proficiency with procurement and ERP systems such as PeopleSoft, SharePoint, and eRecords.
• Intermediate knowledge of procurement methods, inventory practices, and market evaluation techniques.
• Intermediate sourcing strategy development and execution skills.
• Strong negotiation capabilities related to pricing, commercial terms, and vendor performance.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office and procurement systems.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication, collaboration, and influence skills.
• Solid organizational and prioritization abilities.
• Confident presentation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines, manage time-sensitive tasks, and maintain high levels of accuracy.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, accept feedback, and apply learnings.
• CPSM, CIPS, or similar procurement certifications preferred.

Must-Have:

• 2-3 years of procurement, sourcing, or contract management experience.
• Experience leading RFx events and negotiating contracts for mid-complexity categories.
• Proficiency with procurement/ERP systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, SharePoint, eRecords).

Nice-to-Have:

• CPSM, CIPS, or similar procurement certification.
• Experience supporting cost optimization initiatives.
• Experience serving as a primary supplier contact for performance and issue resolution.

The following benefits are offered for this position: medical, dental, & vision insurance, short-term disability, life and AD&D insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Everest Consultants is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws. #IND