Procurement Operations Specialist

Overview

At IBM Finance & Operations, we serve as the essential foundation of IBM's transformation, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and informed decision-making throughout the organization. Our teams offer the insights and discipline necessary to guide strategic initiatives, maintain financial stability, and empower IBM to invest in innovation and expansion. Working within Finance & Operations means leveraging analytical expertise alongside collaboration and curiosity. You'll collaborate with colleagues across various functions and regions, employing data, technology, and process excellence to develop solutions that enhance performance and yield measurable results. IBM fosters continuous learning, professional growth, and a culture that embraces diverse viewpoints. Become a part of our global team that propels IBM forward while shaping your own career in a dynamic and evolving landscape.

Your Responsibilities

As a Procurement Operations Specialist, you will deliver professional support for purchase order processing and engage in tactical sourcing activities. Your responsibilities will encompass negotiating with suppliers, establishing and nurturing relationships with IBM clients and suppliers, and ensuring adherence to IBM Procurement policies.

Your Key Responsibilities Will Include

• Purchase Order Processing: Handle requests from IBM clients, negotiate terms with suppliers, and execute purchases in compliance with IBM Procurement policies.
• Relationship Management: Develop and sustain relationships with IBM clients and suppliers through effective communication in both written and verbal forms.
• Problem Resolution: Utilize problem-solving skills to address issues in the purchasing process, aiming to minimize any negative impacts on the client experience.
• Procurement Tool Utilization: Gain proficiency in procurement-related tools for processing POs and documenting supplier/PO-related information.
• Invoice Resolution: Address aged open POs and resolve any blocked invoices for suppliers.
  
  

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

Required Qualifications / Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Sourcing, or a related discipline.
• Generally, 1-4 years of experience in procurement operations, from purchase requisition to purchase order, sourcing support, finance operations, shared services, or customer support roles.
• Experience in environments driven by service level agreements (SLAs) and supporting global stakeholders.
• Background in Supplier Enablement, Vendor Management, Procurement Operations, or Procure-to-Pay processes.
  
  

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

• Comprehensive understanding of purchase order-based invoice matching, three-way matching, and reconciliation of goods receipt/invoice receipt.
• Familiarity with SAP, Oracle, Ariba, Coupa, or similar ERP and procurement systems.
  
  

Solid grasp of supplier onboarding, vendor master data maintenance, supplier lifecycle management, procurement controls, and compliance requirements.

• Knowledge of invoice exception management, supplier query resolution, and case management workflows.
• Strong analytical abilities, problem-solving capabilities, and root-cause analysis skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective engagement with stakeholders and suppliers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with reporting or analytics tools.