We are seeking an experienced Procurement Specialist to manage sourcing, purchasing, and supplier management activities across a variety of operational categories. The position is responsible for leading supplier selection processes, conducting commercial negotiations, managing purchase orders, and ensuring the timely delivery of goods and services while maintaining compliance with organizational policies. The ideal candidate will combine strong procurement expertise, analytical thinking, and excellent stakeholder management skills to support efficient and cost-effective operations.

Specific Duties:

• Conducts sourcing and evaluation of qualified local and international providers for assigned procurement categories, applying market knowledge, supplier performance history, and procurement best practices to support informed purchasing decisions related with the following categories:
• Furniture and office equipment (purchase, repair, and maintenance)
• Risk management requirements (insurance, uniforms, PPE, etc.)
• Local and international logistics (transport, custom brokers, fuel cards, etc.)
• Lab equipment.
• Agroindustry materials and machinery.

• Identifies, proposes, and develops new providers of goods and services to facilitate CIMMYT’s operating requirements.
• Independently manages competitive bidding and tendering processes for assigned categories, including preparation of solicitation documents, commercial evaluation of proposals, and recommendation of suppliers.
• Establishes an effective communication and collaboration process with internal clients, suppliers, and partner units to ensure efficient completion of the procurement process.

• Leads commercial negotiations with suppliers for assigned procurement categories, securing optimal pricing, delivery conditions, service levels, and contractual terms while ensuring compliance with institutional policies.
• Request from the suppliers the documents for purchase agreement execution, if the purchase transaction requires a contract.
• Request from the new suppliers documents required for vendor registration/onboarding.
• Creates purchase order (PO) in the Institutional ERP system based on fully approved purchase requisition for the assigned procurement categories, send it for approval and forward it to the vendor, along with the purchase contract if a contract is needed.
• Support in monthly and annual closing of POs in the institutional ERP.
• Follow up of delivery of ordered goods and services with the assigned suppliers.
• Coordinates with IMPEX specialist on the purchases of imported items, to ensure compliant, effective and accelerated import process.
• Instill a service-oriented mindset with efficacy and efficiency in the procurement operation.
• Supports periodic vendor evaluation process and due diligence process.
• Maintains knowledge of assigned supplier markets and identifies opportunities to improve service quality, cost effectiveness, and supply continuity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in international Trade, Business Administration, Engineering in Business, Finance or Logistics.
• At least 6 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain functions, including experience with competitive bidding processes and supplier negotiations.
• Advanced level in MS Office.
• Advanced level of English (written and conversational). English will be tested, and candidate should score a minimum of C1 on CEFR.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Organization, Critical thinking, Teamwork, Client Orientation, Problem Solving decision making, Negotiation and Conflict resolution, adaptability.
• Knowledge in use of ERP.
• Knowledge in traffic and logistics is desirable.
• International terms knowledge.
• Contract management experience.

Benefits

CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law our package of benefits includes year-end bonus (40 days), vacation premium (56%), life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, savings fund, social Mexican benefits (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit).

Please note only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Foreign national candidates must have legal documents to work in Mexico.

This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.