Procurement Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

WHO WE ARE

We are a restaurant group that thrives on creating authentic and inspiring experiences for the communities we serve. Through the contributions of countless incredible people, past and present, we're headed to the moon with a simple mission - to make people feel good. While no one on the team is quite like the other, it's our common values that keep us united.

• Be Authentic and Humble
• Act with Integrity
• Bring Good Energy
• Achieve as a Team
• Get Extraordinary Results
• Inspire with Hospitality

ABOUT THE PROCUREMENT ASSOCIATE

Full-Time/Onsite at Upward Projects Lab (HQ)

The Procurement Associate oversees the full sourcing and purchasing process, as directed by the Sr. Design Manager, for all furniture, fixtures, equipment, and custom design elements, ensuring all selections align with brand standards, budget requirements, and project timelines. The role manages vendor relationships, negotiates pricing, and coordinates custom fabrication, when necessary, while maintaining detailed spec-books for turnover and tracking all logistics from ordering through delivery and installation. With responsibility for invoice processing and on-site quality control, the manager ensures each project is executed to design intent. Additionally, the role participates in occasional travel for site visits and out-of-market trade shows.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL YOU MUST

• Manage procurement, inventory, invoicing, logistics, and deployment of our FFE and for both new and existing restaurants as part of the design team.
• Style new and existing restaurants with found goods including artwork, décor, furniture, fixtures, and decorative lighting as directed by the Design Team.
• Attend both in and out of market antique / vintage fairs such as Round Top.
• Regular online, and in person shopping for various found goods required for new and existing restaurants.
• Develop and maintain key relationships with pickers, vendors, and industry professionals.
• Manage or self-perform creative installations for both new and existing restaurants as directed by the Design Team.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE UPWARD PROJECTS

• Medical with company contribution
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Paid time off and earned paid sick time
• 401K with company match
• Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts
• Teledoc Services for all team members
• Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, and AD&D
• Paid Parental Leave
• Meal Discounts and Perks
• Mental Wellness and Life Event Management programs
• Fitness Program Discount
• Opportunities to give your feedback and let your voice be heard
• Company appreciation events and parties
• Anniversary recognition and rewards

• Minimum ~2 years of experience in a similar procurement or design-procurement role preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred (but not always strictly required).
• Knowledge with design & drafting tools- specifically AutoCAD or Bluebeam preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to manage multiple tasks/projects at once — including shifting priorities and tight deadlines.
• Comfortable collaborating with different stakeholders: design consultants, internal design/construction teams, vendors/manufacturers, operations, warehouses, etc.
• Able to travel.
• Taste & Eye for design, as it relates to Upward Projects.