Procurement Excellence Specialist

Overview of Role:

The Procurement Excellence Specialist is responsible for driving operational excellence, process improvement, and greater visibility across the procurement and supply planning function. This role ensures seamless integration between demand planning and procurement execution, enabling cost optimization, supply reliability, and business growth.

As a dedicated procurement leadership role, this position provides strategic oversight of procurement activities, process improvements, and technology enhancements. It will serve as a direct enabler of procurement performance and supply chain resilience.

This position will be filled by a highly experienced procurement professional with deep knowledge of procurement processes and ability to drive procurement technology transformations. The successful candidate will act as the “glue” that keeps complex processes, systems, and supplier relationships aligned.

Primary responsibilities

Process Improvement & Strategy

• Lead a comprehensive review of Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) across suppliers, balancing flexibility, cost efficiency, and working capital targets.
• Partner with the China team to renegotiate and optimize supplier MOQs.
• Redefine product classifications with Demand Planning to improve inventory management processes.
• Review and align supplier lead times, driving ASCP updates to enable accurate automation.
• Streamline workflows between demand planning and procurement execution for accuracy and speed.
• Develop SOPs and governance frameworks to ensure consistency, compliance, and efficiency.
• Recommend synergy opportunities between demand planning and procurement.

• Act as liaison between Buyers and Sourcing on first-order management under the diversification program.

  Operational Management

• Ensure demand forecasts are effectively translated into timely procurement actions.
• Identify and remove bottlenecks in order management, supplier communication, and approvals.

• Strengthen cross-functional collaboration between procurement, demand planning, and sourcing teams.

  Technology Optimisation

• Serve as procurement lead for ERP optimization, ensuring data accuracy, discipline, and functionality.
• Partner with IT, Buyers and Finance to drive ERP enhancements (automated PO approvals, exception management, demand-to-supply integration).
• Leverage AI and analytics for forecasting, supplier performance, and exception management.
• Evaluate AI-driven tools for spend analysis, predictive inventory management, and supplier risk monitoring.
• Digitise the Supply Planning process by leading the implementation of new Supply Planning tools. 

• Promote the adoption of digital dashboards (Power BI, Tableau) to improve visibility and reporting.

  Analytics & Performance

• Build and maintain procurement dashboards and KPIs in partnership with BI (supplier performance, forecast accuracy, inventory turns, service levels).
• Lead cost optimization initiatives, including total landed cost analysis, to support optimal buying decisions.

• Provide insights and recommendations for supply chain diversification strategies.

  Change & Capability Building

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making within procurement.
• Train and upskill Buyers in analytics, planning, and ERP functionality.
• Act as procurement’s dedicated lead on cross-functional initiatives 
• Serve as the internal SME for procurement and buying, ensuring business continuity and expert guidance on critical decisions.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Strong background in procurement, supply chain planning, and ERP systems.
• Proven track record of driving process improvement, cost optimization, and supplier performance management.
• Skilled in analytics, reporting, and digital tools (Power BI, Tableau, AI/ML in supply chain).
• Experienced in cross-functional leadership, with ability to connect procurement to planning, sourcing, and operations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Deep internal knowledge of National Pen procurement and supplier ecosystem, with the credibility and experience to act as the central connector across global teams.

Our values

At Pens.com, we are guided by a set of core values that define our culture and approach to hiring:

Customers-First: 

We are committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences, both internally and externally. By understanding and fulfilling customer needs, we create impactful solutions that leave a lasting impression.

Continuous Improvement: 

We believe in the power of growth and evolution. Through open communication and a culture of innovation, we continuously strive to enhance our business and adapt to changing landscapes.

Goal-Oriented: 

We set clear objectives, remain disciplined in execution, and hold ourselves accountable for achieving measurable goals. Our focus is on driving results and making meaningful progress.

Integrity: 

We prioritize ethics in everything we do, ensuring that our actions are grounded in integrity and responsibility towards our planet, products, and people.

People-Centric: 

We value and respect every member of our team, fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, contributions are recognized, and growth is encouraged.

About Pens.com

Pens.com's personalized promotional products are created for and inspired by small businesses. With 56 years of experience and serving 22 countries worldwide, Pens.com offers MORE value, savings and time to customers through expert guidance on a broad range of personalized promotional products, including writing instruments, stationery, drinkware, bags, gifts, and trade show accessories. Pens.com operates via a network of more than 10 facilities across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

To learn more,visit: www.PENS.com

Pens.com is a National Pen and Cimpress brand (Nasdaq: CMPR).