Centralized Procurement Specialist
About The Position
The Centralized Procurement Specialist plays a lead role in transitioning W.W. Williams' purchasing activities from decentralized, branch-level buying to a centralized procurement model. The majority of this role is focused on moving specific vendors and purchase categories into centralized buying — consolidating volume, standardizing processes, and working directly with branches to shift local purchasing authority to the central procurement function. Beyond the transition work, the role also manages ongoing purchasing activities to ensure the timely, cost-effective acquisition of parts, equipment, supplies, and services needed to support daily operations. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator and change agent who is comfortable driving process change across a multi-location branch network.
Requirements
- 4+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain, or a related field
- Strong negotiation, analytical, and organizational skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ERP/purchasing systems
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with branch and corporate teams
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, multi-location environment
Nice To Haves
- Experience in industrial distribution, heavy equipment, automotive/diesel parts, or a related industry
- Familiarity with OEM parts sourcing and dealer/distributor purchasing relationships
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of a degree
- Experience with centralized procurement or purchasing transformation initiatives
- APICS, CPSM, or similar procurement/supply chain certification
Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day transition of specific vendors and purchase categories from decentralized, branch-level buying to a centralized procurement model
- Identify and prioritize which vendors and purchase categories are ready to move to centralized buying, based on spend volume, vendor consolidation potential, and branch impact
- Work directly with branch managers, service teams, and local buyers to transition purchasing authority and educate them on new centralized processes
- Consolidate purchase orders and buying volume for assigned vendors/categories to strengthen negotiating leverage and pricing
- Track transition progress vendor-by-vendor and category-by-category, flagging risks, resistance points, or gaps in compliance at the branch level
- Serve as the primary point of contact for branches during the transition, resolving questions and troubleshooting issues as local buying shifts to centralized purchasing
- Partner with the Director of Inventory Optimization to sequence the rollout, set milestones, and report on transition status and savings realized
- Develop and refine standard processes, approval workflows, and documentation to support newly centralized vendors and purchase categories
- Process and manage purchase orders for parts, components, equipment, and MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) supplies across multiple branch locations
- Source and evaluate suppliers/vendors to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and reliable delivery timelines
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with vendors and OEM partners to drive cost savings
- Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with branch managers and service teams to forecast purchasing needs
- Partner closely with the Inventory Optimization team to align purchasing decisions with stocking strategy, min/max levels, and inventory turn goals across the branch network
- Maintain accurate procurement records, vendor files, and purchasing data within the ERP/procurement system
- Track order status, resolve delivery delays or discrepancies, and manage returns/backorders
- Analyze spend data to identify cost-saving opportunities and procurement process improvements
- Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies, procedures, and approval workflows
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, including OEMs such as Detroit Diesel, Allison, Carrier Transicold, Volvo Penta, and Kohler
- Collaborate with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice discrepancies and ensure timely, accurate payments
Benefits
- 8 Paid Holidays & 1 Paid Wellness Day
- Paid time off
- Employee Referral Bonus Program
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401k with a Company Match
- Company Paid Training
- Growth and Leadership Opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
