We are looking for a Category Analyst to support sourcing and procurement activities for a scientific instrument manufacturing organization in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. This Long-term Contract position focuses on improving indirect purchasing performance, strengthening supplier partnerships, and identifying practical ways to reduce cost while maintaining service quality. The role works closely with business stakeholders across functions to guide category administration, support contract and renewal reviews, and help deliver efficient sourcing outcomes.<br><br>Responsibilities:<br>• Analyze procurement and sourcing activities to identify process gaps, cost-saving opportunities, and operational improvements across assigned categories.<br>• Coordinate bidding events and request-for-proposal activities, evaluate pricing options, and support negotiations that improve commercial terms.<br>• Maintain day-to-day communication with suppliers, address service or performance concerns, and promote continuous improvement in vendor relationships.<br>• Review software and service renewals, amendments, schedules, and purchase orders, including redlining documents when needed.<br>• Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure sourced products and services align with business requirements, project timelines, and budget expectations.<br>• Prepare cost-savings plans, track progress against sourcing initiatives, and provide written status updates for leadership and business partners.<br>• Conduct benchmark and cost analysis studies to compare supplier offerings and recommend high-quality, cost-effective solutions.<br>• Act as a procurement point of contact for new product launches and support sourcing activities needed to meet launch schedules and target costs.<br>• Audit weekly invoices, complete general ledger coding, maintain invoice records, and assist with upload preparation for accounts payable processing.<br>• Resolve supplier and stakeholder issues through collaborative problem-solving and negotiated solutions that support positive long-term outcomes.
<p>We are looking for an Accounting Specialist to support high-volume accounts payable and accounts receivable operations for a manufacturing organization in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. This Long-term Contract position is well suited for someone who thrives in a fast-moving, transaction-focused environment and can maintain accuracy while managing a steady workload. The ideal candidate brings hands-on accounting experience, strong system proficiency, and the ability to work effectively within a digital, paperless workflow.</p><p><br></p><p>Responsibilities:</p><p>• Process a large volume of accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness.</p><p>• Review, code, and enter invoices, billing records, and payment activity while keeping financial data organized and complete.</p><p>• Reconcile vendor accounts, customer balances, and bank records to identify discrepancies and support accurate reporting.</p><p>• Use accounting and ERP platforms such as SAP, Oracle, or J.D. Edwards to manage daily financial operations and maintain transaction records.</p><p>• Communicate with internal teams to resolve payment issues, documentation gaps, and account questions across departments.</p><p>• Monitor inboxes and workflow tools in applications such as Outlook and Teams to prioritize tasks and respond to requests efficiently.</p><p>• Apply strong data entry skills and keyboard efficiency to meet deadlines in a high-volume processing environment.</p><p>• Support ongoing accounting activities within a fully digital setting, ensuring records are handled consistently and in accordance with established procedures.</p><p><br></p><p>*Please note that all candidates are required to provide 2 recent supervisor or manager references in order to be considered for employment.</p><p> </p><p>Please submit your resume and call 651-293-3973 for review and consideration.</p>