Centralized Procurement Specialist

Centralized Procurement Specialist Opportunity Summary:

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.

Job Duties:

Centralization & Transition (Primary Focus)

• Lead the day-to-day transition of specific vendors and purchase categories from decentralized, branch-level buying to a centralized procurement model — this is the majority focus of the role
• 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

Ongoing Procurement Support

• 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

Work Experience and Qualifications:

Required:

• 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

Preferred:

• 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

Employee Rewards and 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

About the Company:

W.W. Williams was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1912. Today The W.W. Williams Companies have a broad portfolio of businesses located throughout the U.S. and Mexico. The W.W. Williams Companies include CT Power and Guaranteed Truck Service. W.W. Williams offers a full range of industry-leading products, while providing technical/mechanical service and repair, remanufacturing and warehouse/supply chain management solutions to a varied customer base. Our products and services include diesel engines, transmissions, heavy duty truck repair, transport refrigeration, power generation and third-party supply chain logistics services. Our customers include on-highway truck fleets, off-highway equipment users, data centers, hospitals, Department of Defense OEMs, vehicle OEMs, U.S. Military and boat owners to name a few.

What began as a small family-owned business has evolved into one of the nation's most diversified solutions provider. We are relentlessly dedicated to helping our customers achieve maximum up time. From single trucking to cranes to fleet management to power generators to military and commercial packaging - consider it done.

We are Genuine. Honest. Passionate. That's not a slogan, it's a mantra. Everyone who wears the W.W. Williams name - from service technicians to advisors to business executives - is committed to getting the job done right, the first time around. Our people are our greatest assets; we support our team with access to world class training and development opportunities. It's this level of investment and care that matters to customers, giving you peace of mind that your fleet is in the right hands.

W.W. Williams is one of the nation’s largest sales and service networks of industrial power products. With multiple locations across the US and Mexico, we are dedicated to providing highly professional service and strong relationships with our customers.

Join us for a career where you'll grow both personally and professionally in a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.

Competitive wages and benefits. AAP/EPE/M/F/Vets/Disabled, DFWP.