Procurement & Transportation Lead

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process. Full Time Clerical La Vergne, TN, US 2 days ago Requisition ID: 1346 Location: La Vergne, TN At JPW Industries, we don’t just build products – we build careers. At JPW Industries, we are redefining excellence in industrial tools and machinery. With industry shaping brands like Jet, Powermatic, Wilton, Edwards, Baileigh and Axiom, we lead the way in delivering high quality solutions to professionals worldwide. Join us and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our products and industry. What You Will Do: Lead. Innovate. Deliver. JPW Industries is looking for a driven, high-ownership Procurement & Transportation Lead to join our Sourcing and Procurement team. This is an execution role for someone who is equally comfortable negotiating a container rate with an Asia freight forwarder and managing purchase order accuracy in SAP, and who uses technology and critical thinking to do both well. You will own key logistics provider relationships across the US and Asia while also executing buying responsibilities for a defined category of suppliers and purchased parts. You bring structure to complexity, take ownership without being asked, and look for ways to reduce manual work through smarter tools and processes. This role is high visibility with real impact on supply continuity, cost, and operational performance. If you are someone who wants to grow, build, and leave things better than you found them, this is the right seat for you. Key Responsibilities: Serve as primary point of contact for logistics providers across the US and Asia including ocean, air, drayage, last mile, 3PLs, and freight forwarders. Lead business reviews with tier-1 logistics partners; document performance gaps and own action plans to resolution. Help negotiate freight rates, SLAs, and commercial terms to optimize cost and service balance across domestic and international lanes. Maintain a centralized rate repository; proactively benchmark against market conditions and elevate risks as needed. Define, track, and report on logistics KPIs including on-time pickup/delivery, transit time compliance, damage rates, and cost-per-unit. Build and maintain carrier scorecards; drive continuous improvement conversations with underperforming providers. Collaborate with Accounts Payable to ensure freight invoices are processed accurately and aligned with contracted rates. Identify opportunities to consolidate volume, improve routing, or reduce dwell time across the logistics network. Procurement: Buying & Supplier Execution Execute purchase orders for assigned supplier categories including outsourced goods, MRO, and purchased parts — accurately and on time. Monitor open PO status daily; follow up on unconfirmed orders, resolve pricing discrepancies, and ensure ERP data reflects reality. Own supplier performance for assigned accounts: set clear expectations, track delivery and responsiveness, and drive accountability when commitments are missed. Identify and communicate supply risks early — late shipments, shortages, or supplier reliability issues — before they become operational disruptions. Manage inventory parameters including lead times, safety stock, and MOQ settings in SAP to support accurate planning signals. Support new supplier qualification and onboarding as required for new product programs or category expansions. Partner with operations, planning, and AP teams on execution issues, invoice resolution, and supply continuity. Technology, Process & Continuous Improvement Actively identify and implement AI tools, automation, and workflow improvements to reduce manual, repetitive steps across the logistics and procurement lifecycle. Challenge the status quo — if a process is being done manually and technology can do it better, own the initiative to change it. Maintain high system data quality in SAP; inaccurate records create downstream disruption and are treated as an ownership issue, not a clerical one. Contribute to team-wide improvements in how we manage suppliers, track performance, and report to internal stakeholders. What You Will Bring: Expertise. Teamwork. Customer Focus. Education: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, international business, or a related field, preferred. Experience: 5–8+ years of experience in logistics, freight procurement, buying, or supply chain management with cross-border responsibility. Demonstrated experience managing carrier and 3PL relationships in North America and Asia (particularly China, Southeast Asia). Proven track record negotiating ocean, air, and/or ground freight contracts. Hands‑on experience executing purchase orders and managing supplier performance in a manufacturing or distribution environment. SAP experience strongly preferred; proficiency in ERP systems required.

COMPETENCIES

Strong analytical ability — comfortable building and managing KPIs, scorecards, and performance dashboards. Technology-forward mindset: actively builds and leverages AI agents and automation tools to reduce manual workflow and improve accuracy. Exceptional negotiation skills across freight and procurement categories. High data integrity standards — treats system accuracy as a personal accountability. Effective cross-functional communicator, comfortable working with all levels of the organization. Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities across time zones and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Proactive and ownership-oriented — raises issues early, follows through, and closes loops without being asked. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook). Flexible to support extended hours when business needs or time zone differences require. Why JPW Industries? We are more than just a workplace – we are a community of innovators, problem‑solvers, and game‑changers. Here’s what we offer: Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, telehealth, and more from Day 1 Generous PTO + Paid Holidays Career Development & Learning Opportunities Team Member Appreciation Events A Culture That Values Integrity, Teamwork & Innovation At JPW Industries...we don’t just build products – we build careers! Be Part of Something Bigger. Apply Today. JPW Industries is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Powermatic