Job Title: Procurement, Warranty, & Supply Chain Specialist
Are you looking to make an impact with a Minnesota Star Tribune Top 200 Workplace? North Central is looking for a Procurement, Warranty, and Supply Chain Specialist to keep our operations moving forward! If you are someone who likes solving problems, building relationships, and owning results, North Central would love to speak with you!
Company Intro:
North Central (NC) has been in the bus industry for over 60 years. North Central is a division of Scipi Companies. We believe that our values and conducting business “the Scipi way” has led us to become the market share leader for commercial and school bus sales in the Upper Midwest. We are a 100% employee-owned organization based in Central MN, employing over 250 team members across the Midwest and Canada.
This position is located at our North Central St. Cloud location. St. Cloud, also known as the Granite City, is home to several parks and attractions highlighting our granite mining history. For example, Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is a 683 acre preserve with 20 former granite quarries and is a great place to swim, scuba, fish, climb, or admire.
Position Description:
As the Procurement, Warranty, and Supply Chain Specialist, you are responsible for coordinating with the production and warehouse teams to ensure timely receipt of goods while minimizing inventory holding times and aligning with our productions schedule. The role combines analysis and reporting long with hands-on application to ensure excellence in the overall performance of upfit operations.
This position has an annual salary range of $60,000 to $79,000 based on experience.
This position will remain posted until filled with resume review ongoing.
Essential Functions:
- Procurement & Cost Management: source, negotiate, and purchase materials while managing budgets, consolidating vendors, and identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality
- Supplier Relations & Performance: build and maintain strong supplier partnerships, develop performance scorecards, and meet regularly to review delivery, quality, costs, and continuous improvement
- Inventory Planning & Control: oversee inventory levels, align incoming materials with production schedules, and implement strategies to minimize excess, obsolete stock, and supply disruptions
- Order & Logistics Coordination: track and manage orders to ensure timely delivery, resolve issues, and maintain smooth supply chain flow that supports production needs
- Warranty, Returns, & Documentation: handle warranty claims and vendor returns, negotiate disputes, ensure accurate credits, and maintain detailed procurement records and data
Top Benefits or Perks:
As a team member at NC, you’ll enjoy:
- A path to ownership in the company through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, vision and dental insurance and a Health Savings Account (HSA) option with a generous company contribution
- Employer paid long-term disability coverage
- Paid holidays and paid time off
- A collaborative environment where we believe that laughter and fun bond us together
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Exceptional ability to manage multiple tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with NetSuite
Required Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 3+ years of relevant experience preferably in the automotive or manufacturing industry
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically with Excel and demonstrated experience with ERP systems
- Skilled in negotiation, building supplier relationships, and providing excellent customer service
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Preferred Experience:
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in business management or related field
- 5+ years of relevant experience preferably in automotive or manufacturing industry
- Knowledge of vehicle upfitting processes and materials
- Experience negotiating mutually effective supply chain agreements and knowledge of Lean methodology
- Experience with inventory management systems
Working Conditions:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Must be able to lift up to 15lbs at a time
- May be asked to travel to visit vendors or different company locations
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
