Procurement Specialist (Indiana Based) in Indianapolis, Indiana at Creative Works

About Creative Works

We create powerful emotions and memories through immersive attractions. We are a full-service theme creator, prop builder, and attractions provider to theme parks, museums, family entertainment centers, restaurants, tourist attractions, and other venues. Since 1997, we have brought ideas to life with a talented team of designers, sculptors, craftsmen, and artisans, and we are proud to have delivered the WOW Effect to a wide variety of destinations across the globe.

We’ve been named as one of INC 5000's fastest-growing companies in America three times in a row and are in the top 60 here in Indiana. We’ve also been named one of The Best Places To Work In Indiana twice in a row. Inside our walls, you'll find lots of creative people who are passionate about what they do and make. Every day is different with new challenges. We pride ourselves on creating an amazing culture where our employees can grow professionally and personally. Every company says this, but we can actually prove it!

Our Team

Our team is one of the secrets of our success. We are artists, craftsmen, dreamers, and managers. Everyone brings something unique to the table and our collective passion, excitement, and attention to detail explain why we exceed our clients’ expectations time and again. We have high expectations for everyone on our team. It’s the only way we can deliver amazing products and services. Our team is passionate, hungry, and always striving for more.

Job Description

We are seeking someone to manage as a Strategic Sourcing & Vendor to drive data-led procurement strategies, lead-time forecasting, and vendor relationship management. Working alongside our Purchasing Clerk—who executes routine purchase orders and drop-ship fulfillment—this role focuses on the predictive and analytical side of supply chain: analyzing ERP inventory movements, forecasting long-lead-time risks, and negotiating high-value vendor partnerships to protect project margins and production timelines. Our procurement specialist should have skills to analyze costs, negotiate contract details, and offer strategies and solutions to help Creative Works better manage costs on supplies and vendor services.

Key Responsibilities:

Inventory Analytics & Lead-Time Forecasting

• Analyze inventory trends, turnover rates, and consumption patterns within our ERP system to optimize reorder points and safety stock levels.
• Build predictive lead-time models for long-lead materials and custom components to prevent production bottlenecks.
• Track material usage against project schedules to flag potential stockouts or overages before they hit the factory floor.
• Create and submit weekly purchasing reports to the Finance Team

Strategic Vendor Partnerships & Negotiations

• Conduct vendor performance scorecards focusing on pricing stability, lead-time accuracy, and quality compliance.
• Cultivate and manage high-value relationships with raw material suppliers, specialized fabricators, and freight partners.

• Negotiate master service agreements, volume tier pricing, and terms to maximize cost efficiency without compromising build quality.

• Assist with any vendor disputes

ERP System Strategy & Financial Reporting

• Maintain and optimize purchasing parameters, lead times, and vendor catalogs in the ERP system.
• Conduct quarterly pricing reviews and Total-Cost-of-Ownership (TCO) assessments.
• Partner with the Finance and Project Management teams to deliver weekly supply chain metrics, spend analysis, and project margin forecasts.
• Order project materials using purchase orders and purchase planning in our ERP system

Additional Considerations and Software Knowledge Desired:

• Procurement and Inventory Management software experience
• Task Management Software experience (Monday, Asana, Wrike, etc)
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in Procurement in a manufacturing setting
• Must have strong communication skills and a high degree of confidentiality
• Must be highly detail-oriented
• Willingness to learn
• Ability to negotiate and network with new and current vendors
• Communication within internal teams and external vendors
• Construction or tech industry knowledge a plus
• Project budget planning experience necessary
• Exceptional customer service skills for internal and external clients
• Excellent computer skills

Pay and Benefits:

• Job Type: Full-Time Salary Exempt (40-45 hours weekly)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, ancillary, & other coverage opportunities available
• 401K opportunities available (Standard Safe Harbor Match)
• Flexible PTO Plan as well as paternity & maternity time and several paid holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, life, ancillary, & pet insurance coverage opportunities available
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401K opportunities available (Standard Safe Harbor Match)
• Employee Discount Program
• Flexible PTO Plan
• Parental time for the birth or adoption of a child
• Paid Volunteer Time Off to serve at a 501(c)3 charitable organization on behalf of the company
• Onsite fitness facility
• Salary: $52,000 - $60,000 per year depending on experience

*This is an onsite position located at our facility on the southwest side of Indianapolis, IN near I-465 & Sam Jones Expressway.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Creative Works is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Does this sound like a good fit for you?

If so, please provide a cover letter to us to help us better understand who you are and why you would like to join our team as well as a resume. Thank you!

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