Inventory & Procurement Specialist - Zeiss : Job Details

About Us: How many companies can say they've been in business for over 177 years?! Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the everchanging environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge of technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team! Location/Region: This position is located in White Plains, NY . Must be in the office a minimum of 2 days a week. What's the role? The Inventory & Procurement Specialist will manage procurement, vendor relationships, inventory, and 3PL (third-party logistics) operations. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience in procurement and inventory management, with a proven ability to own processes, drive efficiency, and implement improvements. This role requires strong project management skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to lead digitization initiatives. The candidate must be digitally savvy and capable of working cross-functionally in a global, cross-cultural environment. This role will play a critical role in shaping our procurement and inventory management processes, contributing to our digitization journey, and driving impactful change. Sound Interesting? Here's what you'll do: Procurement

• Oversee the procurement lifecycle, including requisition review, order placement, system records, timelines, escalations, goods receipts, and invoice approvals.
• Manage vendor and 3PL relationships to ensure timely deliveries and alignment with business goals.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to optimize procurement processes and ensure compliance.

Inventory & Warehousing Management

• Manage inventory across warehouses and 3PL operations, ensuring accurate tracking, storage, and handling.
• Maintain inventory accuracy in SAP ERP through audits, adjustments, and catalog updates.
• Create and manage kits and BOMs in SAP with proper documentation and stakeholder communication.
• Track and optimize inventory KPIs, including accuracy, cycle counts, stock levels, and turnover.
• Collaborate with warehousing and 3PL teams to enforce processes and minimize discrepancies.
• Optimize inventory by reducing excess stock, minimizing waste, and improving turnover.
• Manage item records in the demo management system for accurate equipment tracking.
• Conduct inventory audits and reconciliations to resolve discrepancies and ensure compliance.

Systems & Digitization

• Streamline procurement and inventory processes using digital tools and SAP ERP.
• Enhance efficiency and data accuracy by implementing technology solutions.
• Oversee SAP workflows, including purchase orders, invoices, and data maintenance.
• Ensure data integrity by accurately reflecting inventory activities in ERP systems.
• Drive digital transformation and continuous improvement through technology and automation.

Process Improvement & Ownership

• Own processes, addressing inefficiencies to reduce waste and boost productivity.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align goals and streamline workflows.
• Lead projects with strong management skills, ensuring timely and within-scope delivery.
• Document and standardize processes for consistency, scalability, and sustainability.
• Identify and implement best practices to optimize processes and enhance performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Work with customer service, sales, operations, and finance to align priorities and resolve issues.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships to foster collaboration and secure buy-in for initiatives.
• Leverage cross-cultural communication skills to work effectively with global teams and partners.
• Act as a liaison between internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure alignment and seamless operations.

Do you qualify?

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Operations, Logistics or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, inventory management, vendor management, and 3PL operations.
• Proven ability to independently manage procurement and drive operational improvements.
• Strong knowledge of ERP and digital tools for procurement and inventory management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Visio, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams).
• Demonstrated ability to implement process improvements and deliver measurable results.
• Experience in change management and aligning vendors, partners, and internal teams.
• Excellent project management skills to prioritize, plan, and execute tasks effectively.
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills for global collaboration.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to align daily operations with business objectives.
• Proven ability to foster accountability, collaboration, and integrity while driving alignment and achieving shared goals.
• Reliable, responsive, and driven to grow professionally.

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience in digitization initiatives and implementing technology solutions.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
• Proven ability to manage relationships with 3PL providers.
• Background in data analysis to support decision-making and optimize procurement strategies.

Key Competencies:

• Ownership & Accountability: Takes full responsibility for processes and outcomes.
• Problem-Solving: Proactively identifies challenges and implements effective solutions.
• Collaboration: Builds strong relationships and fosters teamwork.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic environment and manages change effectively.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and consistency in tasks and processes.
• Strategic Thinking: Balances day-to-day responsibilities with long-term goals.

Working Conditions and Special Demands:

• Ability to successfully perform duties and execute responsibilities remotely from both a company-office and home-office based environment; this is a hybrid role
• Flexible working hours as required to meet needs of customers and business.
• Ability to travel for meetings and/or customer visits: