Operational Procurement Specialist

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

The Role:
The Procurement Specialist provides technical expertise and operational support to help ensure procurement processes, systems, and activities are effective, compliant, and aligned with business objectives. This role is responsible for supporting sourcing strategies, supplier management, purchasing activities, and procurement planning, while driving data-based decision-making, cost optimization, and continuous improvement across the function.

The Procurement Specialist partners closely with cross-functional stakeholders to address procurement and supply chain issues, evaluate supplier performance, manage risk, and support the execution of procurement initiatives. This role also contributes to team capability through knowledge sharing, training, and mentoring, while helping strengthen procurement practices, tools, and processes.

Core Responsibilities:

• Support and execute strategic sourcing, purchasing, and procurement activities to meet business needs, ensure supply continuity, and optimize total cost of ownership.
• Partner with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support vendor evaluation and selection, supplier performance management, contract administration, and renewal activities.
• Conduct spend, cost, and procurement analyses to identify trends, risks, savings opportunities, and process improvements that enhance operational and financial performance.
• Develop, implement, and support procurement plans that align with business priorities, budget expectations, compliance requirements, and supply chain objectives.
• Support contract negotiation activities and supplier discussions to improve commercial outcomes, service levels, quality, and long-term value.
• Monitor and support inventory-related activities, including coordination with relevant teams to address inventory issues, improve planning, and support efficient material flow.
• Ensure procurement activities are aligned with applicable company policies, regulatory requirements, quality expectations, and ethical sourcing standards.
• Partner cross-functionally with operations, finance, supply chain, and other business teams to resolve issues, support projects, and drive effective procurement outcomes.
• Support budget planning, forecasting, and reporting activities by providing analysis, tracking key procurement metrics, and helping identify improvement opportunities.
• Contribute to risk management, business continuity planning, and issue resolution by proactively identifying supply and supplier-related risks and helping implement mitigation plans.
• Use market research, benchmarking, and trend analysis to inform sourcing strategies, supplier decisions, and best practice adoption.
• Support procurement systems, tools, and reporting processes to improve visibility, data quality, and overall team effectiveness.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying process gaps, recommending solutions, and supporting implementation of more efficient and standardized ways of working.
• Provide training, mentoring, and day-to-day support to procurement team members to help build capability and promote best practices.
• Advance supplier diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and responsible sourcing objectives as part of a balanced and forward-looking procurement approach.

High-Impact Behaviors:

• Demonstrates strategic thinking by connecting day-to-day procurement activities to broader business priorities, anticipating challenges, and identifying opportunities to improve performance and long-term value.
• Builds strong partnerships across teams and with suppliers through effective communication, credibility, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving and execution.
• Influences outcomes by using data, sound judgment, and business insight to drive decisions, align stakeholders, and support change.
• Develops self and others by sharing knowledge, mentoring team members, and contributing to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Drives accountability and results by managing priorities effectively, following through on commitments, and maintaining a focus on quality, compliance, and operational excellence.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent work experience providing exposure to procurement, supply chain, and business operations.
• Experience supporting procurement, sourcing, supplier management, purchasing, or supply chain activities in a dynamic business environment.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools such as Excel and SQL, and the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Knowledge of inventory management principles, procurement processes, cost analysis, and supplier performance evaluation.
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce cost, and strengthen operational performance.
• Ability to work effectively across functions to resolve issues, support projects, and align procurement activities with business needs.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills with the ability to present information clearly and work effectively with stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and support execution of key initiatives.
• Familiarity with procurement systems, inventory management tools, and reporting platforms is preferred.

The estimated salary range for this position is $65,000 to $85,000.   Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range.  At Xylem we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement. 

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Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.