Purchasing Specialist (R&D Operations, Procure-to-Pay Support)

Purchasing Specialist
(R&D Operations Procure to Pay Support)
Location: Lake County, IL – 100% Onsite
Contract Length: 3 months (with potential extension based on performance and business need)
$32-$35/HR based on benefits selection
 
Orion Group is hiring a Specialist for R&D Operations Procure-to-Pay Support, which provides day-to-day purchasing and invoice resolution support for R&D and stockroom operations for our global pharmaceutical client in Lake County, IL.
This role partners closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, Purchasing, and Corporate Disbursements to ensure the timely processing of purchase orders, accurate receipt of goods/services, and prompt resolution of invoice discrepancies.
The ideal candidate brings hands-on SAP experience, strong customer service skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, onsite environment.
Key Responsibilities

• Initiate purchase orders in response to customer requests for materials or services using company purchasing systems (SAP SRM, Ariba, RMM Jaggaer), including WBS-associated orders.
• Serve as a liaison between internal customers and suppliers to resolve order issues such as damaged materials, incorrect shipments, and returns.
• Track open and outstanding orders; follow up with customers and suppliers to ensure proper closeout.
• Investigate and resolve invoice issues related to purchase orders, including pricing and quantity discrepancies.
• Partner with Purchasing and Corporate Disbursement to resolve invoice payment issues.
• Post receipts for goods and services accurately and close out open orders in a timely manner.
• Support payment processing by identifying invoice issues and driving resolution for R&D and Stockroom purchases.
• Deliver exceptional customer service while supporting effective problem solving and timely issue resolution.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure purchasing activities comply with internal procedures and timelines.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 4+ years of relevant experience
  OR Associate’s Degree with 3+ years of relevant experience
  OR Bachelor’s Degree with 2+ years of relevant experience
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with procurement or payment systems.
• Working knowledge of purchasing and payment processes.
• Experience creating shopping carts in SAP SRM.
• Experience resolving invoice issues in SAP S/4HANA.
• Strong customer service orientation with proven problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Strong attention to detail with solid analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ability to quickly learn new systems and technologies.
• Ability to work independently with limited oversight while managing competing priorities.

Work Environment

• 100% onsite role in Lake County, IL.
• Fast-paced R&D support environment requiring strong collaboration and responsiveness.

People are our business worldwide
 
Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.