Buyer – Construction Supply Chain

JH Kelly is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Construction Buyer to join our Supply Chain Team in Longview, WA. This isn’t just about purchasing—it’s about building strong vendor relationships, optimizing delivery timelines, and ensuring project success through smart, cost-effective procurement. If you thrive on collaboration and want to make an impact with a legacy construction leader, this is your opportunity.

Celebrating over a century of excellence, JH Kelly is a fourth-generation, family-owned construction powerhouse tackling complex commercial and heavy industrial projects. With offices in Vancouver, Longview, Seattle, Bellingham, WA, and Milwaukie, OR, we’re an industry leader fueled by an award‑winning team known for safety, quality, and a dynamic, family‑oriented culture. Curious about our story and impact? Check us out at

As a Construction Buyer, you’ll be the backbone of our supply chain, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement of materials, equipment, and services for our complex construction projects. This role is about execution, relationship‑building, and strategic problem‑solving—bridging vendor partnerships with JH Kelly’s project demands.

Pay Range: $30–$55 per hour (DOE), FLSA non‑exempt (OT eligible). Here’s what you’ll take on:

• Issue and manage purchase orders with precision, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project requirements.
• Negotiate cost savings, value analysis, and volume discounts to secure the best deals while maintaining high‑quality standards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors to enhance delivery reliability and reduce lead times.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors, working closely with engineering, estimators, project management, and field teams to ensure seamless job site deliveries.
• Review purchase requests for accuracy and completeness, proactively resolving discrepancies to keep projects on track.
• Collaborate with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice and delivery issues, ensuring smooth operations.

• Conduct thorough bid analyses using spreadsheets to award purchase orders to the most competitive suppliers and subcontractors.
• Leverage industry‑standard tools like Bluebeam to streamline procurement processes and enhance efficiency.
• Stay ahead of procurement trends, policies, and best practices to drive continuous improvement in supply chain operations.

• Mentor junior buyers, fostering their professional growth and building a stronger team.
• Maintain proactive, positive relationships with internal teams (shop, field, CAD/BIM, safety, accounting, IT) and external stakeholders (vendors, customer representatives).
• Deliver measurable results by exceeding stakeholder expectations and driving operational success through effective communication and problem‑solving.

• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 5 years of purchasing experience, ideally in industrial and commercial construction, with proven expertise in sourcing:
• Metals:
  Steel, rebar, copper, aluminum, and iron.
• Fabricated Products: HVAC/plumbing equipment and supplies (piping, ductwork).
• Electrical Components:
  Wiring, conduits, transformers.
• Fasteners & Hardware:
  Bolts, screws, valves, fittings.
• Skills:
  
  Proficiency with automated purchasing systems (e.g., Bluebeam) and advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook). Strong negotiation, organizational, and communication skills to manage vendor relationships and internal collaboration.
• Mindset:
  Strategic, proactive, and collaborative, with a drive to innovate, solve problems, and meet project deadlines in a high‑paced environment.
• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Knowledge:
  Strong understanding of procurement policies, contract laws, and best practices.

This office‑based role involves sitting at a computer for extended periods, with occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 20 pounds. You’ll need strong manual dexterity,…