Procurement Operations Specialist

Shape Your World

At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work-shaper, team-shaper, idea-shaper & world-shaper.

At Alcoa, you’re an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. This is an opportunity for you to bring your wealth of experience to the team and help shape the future of sustainability with world-changing innovations and low-carbon technologies. You have the power to shape things to make them better.

About the role

As the Procurement Operations Specialist, you will lead and execute procurement activities at Alcoa’s Technical Center in New Kensington, PA. This role serves as the primary procurement point of contact for projects at our Technical Center—ensuring cost‑effective, timely, and compliant sourcing of materials and services for our critical R&D projects

You will partner closely with engineering, project teams, suppliers, and global procurement stakeholders to support project deployment, manage supplier relationships, and drive continuous improvement across procurement processes.

This role may also, as business needs evolve, support procurement activities across corporate and other categories beyond its primary scope, opening up opportunities to learn about other areas of spend.

Key Responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end procurement operations at the Alcoa Technical Center, serving as the primary point of contact for sourcing execution, issue resolution, and deadlines in a strict IP‑protected environment, while also supporting select corporate procurement activities as business needs arise.
• Partner with Engineering Service Providers (ESP), engineering teams, and global sourcing stakeholders to deliver projects on time and at optimal cost.
• Manage supplier and contract lifecycle activities, including competitive bids (RFPs/RFQs), contract negotiation, KPI tracking, audits, and performance management.
• Execute operational and ad‑hoc buying activities (including spot buys) in compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
• Develop and communicate short‑ and long‑term procurement strategies aligned to business, project, and market needs.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to standardize processes, consolidate suppliers, and automate transactional activities in collaboration with the Procurement Services Center (PSC).
• Support procurement training, change management initiatives, and ensure supplier compliance with Alcoa’s safety, diversity, and ethical standards.

What you can bring to the role

• Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of experience in Procurement and/or Supply Chain.
• Strong procurement expertise, including negotiation, strategic sourcing, analytical skills, and contract management.
• Proven experience managing a diverse portfolio of suppliers and projects.
• Experience with Oracle ERP and Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint).
• Demonstrated agility in managing multiple tasks, with strong prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with project and change management in complex, cross‑functional environments.

What we offer

• Competitive compensation packages, including pay-for-performance variable pay, recognition and rewards programs.
• 401(k), employer match up to 6%, additional employer retirement income contribution (no vesting period)
• Healthcare benefits: medical, Rx, dental, vision, flexible spending account, health savings account (generous employer contribution), life and accident insurance
• Work-life balance programs: flexible work scheduling, hybrid/remote working
• Paid time off: 15 vacation days prorated in the 1st year based on hire date, 12 paid holidays, 7 illness days, Care for Family leave up to 40 days, up to 5 bereavement days, maximum of 30 jury duty days, and up to 10 days annual training for military leave.

About the Location

Recognized as an industry pioneer, Alcoa has established itself as an international company with operations across six continents. Alcoa’s U.S. portfolio includes Alcoa's corporate headquarters, Alcoa's Technology Center, two smelters, and a calcined coke plant. While some roles are based on-site, Alcoa also offers a flexible working model for certain positions.

Wherever you choose to join us, you'll be joining a global team committed to advancing sustainability and delivering excellence and innovation.

We are values led, vision driven and united by our purpose of transforming raw potential into real progress.  Our commitments to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity include providing trusting workplaces that are safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment and that our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate.

As a proud equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer, Alcoa is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of a person’s gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nation of origin, disability, veteran status, language spoken or any other characteristic or status protected by the laws or regulations in the places where we operate.

If you have visited our website in search of information on U.S. employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Alcoa Recruiting via email at gssrecruiting@alcoa.com.

This is a place where you are empowered to do your best work, be your authentic self, and feel a true sense of belonging. Come join us and shape your career!

Your work. Your world. Shape them for the better.