Order Management and Procurement Specialist The Order Management and Procurement Specialist plays a key role in supporting day-to-day sales operations by ensuring accurate and timely processing of customer orders, managing procurement activities, and maintaining clear communication with both internal teams and external customers. This role bridges customer service and purchasing to deliver a seamless order experience, while ensuring product availability and on-time delivery in a fast-paced, technical distribution environment.
Reports to: Profit Center Manager
Minimum Qualifications:- High school diploma or equivalent 2+ years of experience in order entry, purchasing, customer service, or sales support
- Basic understanding of purchasing processes and inventory coordination
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word)
- Experience using ERP or order management systems
Additional Competencies:- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to customer support
- Ability to interpret purchase orders, quotes, and inventory reports
Preferred Qualifications:- Associate or bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or a related field 35 years of experience in an industrial distribution, electrical supply, or automation-related environment
- Familiarity with vendor portals, third-party billing systems, or procurement software
- Working knowledge of industrial automation and electrical components
Working Conditions:
Conditions vary based on needed activities and will include office, warehouse, and external environments. Some activities will include lifting (up to 50lbs), sorting, standing, and possible extreme heat/cold conditions.
Supervisory Responsibilities: NoEssential Job Functions:
Order Management & Customer Support:
Process customer orders accurately and efficiently in CedNet and related systems.
Review customer purchase orders for completeness, pricing accuracy, shipping instructions, tax status, and project requirements.
Track open orders and proactively communicate status updates, delays, substitutions, and backorders to customers and sales personnel.
Respond promptly to customer calls, emails, and walk-in requests.
Assist customers with order inquiries, product availability, delivery status, and documentation requests.
Coordinate with sales representatives to ensure customer expectations are met and issues are resolved quickly.
Procurement & Vendor Management:
Create and manage purchase orders with vendors.
Monitor vendor acknowledgments and confirm pricing, availability, and delivery commitments.
Source products from alternate vendors or branch inventory locations when required.
Expedite critical orders and follow up on open purchase orders.
Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships to improve responsiveness and product availability.
Assist with vendor returns, discrepancies, freight claims, and damaged material issues.
Inventory & Branch Operations Support:
Monitor inventory levels and assist in maintaining proper stock availability.
Coordinate stock transfers between branches when necessary.
Assist with inventory reconciliation, cycle counting, and inventory accuracy initiatives.
Work closely with warehouse personnel regarding receiving, staging, transfers, and shipments.
Support branch efforts to reduce backorders, improve inventory turns, and minimize excess inventory.
Billing & Administrative Support:
Upload invoices and supporting documentation to customer billing portals and third-party procurement systems.
Verify order documentation is complete and accurate prior to billing.
Maintain customer, vendor, and order records in company systems.
Assist with branch administrative functions as assigned.
Delivery & Branch Coverage:
Perform local customer deliveries using company vehicles as needed.
Provide backup coverage for customer service, counter sales, and operational functions during vacations, absences, or peak workload periods.
Assist with branch opening, closing, and general operational support as required.
Continuous Improvement:
Identify opportunities to improve order processing, inventory management, customer service, and procurement efficiency.
Support implementation of standardized practices between Houston and San Marcos operations.
Promote accuracy, accountability, urgency, and teamwork throughout daily operations.
CED is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Disability | Veteran
Other Compensation:
The following additional compensation may be applicable for this position:
Profit Sharing
Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision Care for full-time positions
Insurance: Medical only for part-time positions, 30+ hours/week
Disability Insurance Life Insurance 401(k) Paid Sick LeavePaid Holidays Paid Vacation Health Savings Account (HSA) and matching Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Teledoc Paid Pregnancy & New Parent Leave
