At Easterseals of Chicagoland and Greater Rockford, we are committed to two – often interconnecting - pillars of work……early learning and disability. Through these pillars, we transform the lives of early learners and individuals of all abilities through access to expert educational, family, and community support. As an affiliate of America’s largest nonprofit healthcare organization, we have proudly served the communities and families of Chicagoland and Greater Rockford since 1936.

For more information about our organization, please visit us online at www.eastersealschicago.org.

The Procurement Specialist, under the leadership of the Sr. Manager of Procurement, is responsible for providing procurement-related activities in alignment with the business objectives and policies of the organization, and in compliance with all regulatory mandates. The Procurement Specialist will build and maintain relationships with both internal teams and external vendors to maintain efficient and transparent procurement while ensuring the integrity of the procurement functions.

This position is headquartered at Easterseals Chicago Location at 1939 W 13th Street, Chicago, IL 60608.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS/ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Create purchase orders by verifying specifications and prices and perform day-to- day ordering for programs from fully approved requisitions.
• Ensure proper approval of all requisitions as they move through the procurement process.
• Ensure proper and prompt receiving by programs and facilitate documentation of PODs when necessary.
• Assist accounts payable in analyzing and solving invoice discrepancies.
• Adhere to standard procurement procedures including WIP folder review, invoice verification & approval requests, and monitor the flow of purchasing system activities.
• Assist programs in obtaining quotes or bids from potential vendors in accordance with Procurement Policy.
• Support supervisor with processing Request for Proposals, Sealed Bids, and Requests for Information.
• Coordinate and assist supervisor with the bidding process; evaluate and identify suppliers capable of delivering high-quality goods/services in accordance with the end user’s specifications.
• Ensure proper documentation is maintained for all requisitions, purchase orders, and receiving activities.
• Conduct research and manage special procurement projects.
• Respond to program and supplier inquiries about order status, changes, quantities, or cancellations.
• Communicate with vendors and programs to ensure prioritized tasks are completed in a timely manner.
• Assist with training users on the electronic procurement system.
• Assist in researching and vetting new vendors. Ensure all forms and clearance are complete in accordance with Procurement policy.
• Track vendor compliance documentation and assist with audits requiring vendor information.
• Resolve purchasing issues with vendors including defective goods, unacceptable goods, or failed delivery, and take corrective action.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.

Experience Required:

• Experience with Federally funded non-profit organizations preferred.
• Two to three years of experience in a purchasing or accounts payable environment.

Skills/Abilities:

• Must have the ability to work well with all levels of the organization as well as outside vendors and Easterseals team members.
• Excellent mathematical and organizational skills.
• Excellent technical ability to learn and utilize procurement applications.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow various policies and procedures.
• Well organized, highly detail-oriented, and accuracy driven.
• Responsive, customer service mindset, positive outlook.
• Ability to work independently.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of MIP Fund Accounting and Microix is a plus.

ADA: Easterseals will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act of 1990. Unless exempted by the Americans with Disabilities Act, all persons hired for this position are required to possess the ability to perform the physical tasks necessary to treat clients, i.e., bending, floor-sitting, etc., as well as to have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.