Inventory & Procurement Specialist (Finance)

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:
• Required to sit, stand, walk regularly and occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.

The annual pay range for this position is $84,000 - $105,000

The salary offered for this role may be influenced by factors such as job location, scope of role, qualifications, education, experience, & complexity/specialization/scarcity of talent.

This position is eligible for a performance bonus or sales commissions.

We have amazing benefits to support you as an employee at ZEISS!

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) savings plan (+ company match)
• Life & AD&D
• Disability Insurance
• Voluntary benefits, such as Legal Plan, Home/Auto, Pet Insurance & more

Time-off

• 8 or more holidays annually
• 10 or more vacation days accrued annually
• 2 or more floating holidays
• Sick days

ZEISS is an EEO/AA/M/F/Disabled Veteran Employer

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:
Tina Eilerman

Zeiss provides Equal Employment Opportunity without unlawful regard to an Applicants race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizen status, sexual orientation, pregnancy (includes childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic predisposition, carrier status, gender expression or identity, including transgender identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law of the employee (or the people with whom the employee associates, including relatives and friends).