Sr. Purchasing Agent

Sr. Purchasing Agent

Operations Support

Brandywine, MD •  
• Full-Time/Regular

Position Summary

The Senior Purchasing Agent will engage our supplier community to ensure material, equipment, rental, and subcontractor products and services meet Southlands exacting standards for price, quality and delivery schedules. Through valued working relationships, the Senior Purchasing agent will ensure material requests are actioned into quotes, and quotes are converted into purchase orders such that our shop and field staff are able to fabricate and manufacture Just in Time.

Partnering with other Southland Divisions, this role will ensure National Supply Agreements are supported and utilized for the betterment of our customers.

Position Details

• Fulfill material requisitions from field staff, estimating or fabrication shops, procures and ensures product is ordered competitively and receipt of goods and services meet our project schedules
• Works with staff and management to eliminate waste and streamline systems
• Work closely with Accounts Payable and Project Management to quickly resolve problem invoices and remit for payment within an acceptable time frame
• Coordinates and assists with project managers, job foreman, or fabrication managers in procuring goods and services, such as raw materials, equipment, tools, parts and supplies
• Works with fabrication shop to coordinate bulk deliveries of rough products, to meet fabrication schedules
• Prepares purchase orders - manages purchase orders and follows up on past-due purchase orders
• Coordinates activities between purchasing, accounts payable and receivable to ensure process workflow for accounting to process payments
• Assist in tracking of Key Performance Indicator (KPI) measurement and validation
• Ability to analyze and resolve difficult issues / conflicts
• Assists in compiling and preparing bid documents and bidders list, including inquiry preparations, request for bids and recommendations for award of contract

Qualifications

• 2-year Associate of Arts degree required, Bachelor of Arts/Science preferred, with purchasing experience of 5 or more years. Construction industry (HVAC / Plumbing) preferred
• Strong knowledge of purchasing practices and systems. Ability to effectively negotiate and procure items in a timely manner
• Must possess excellent time management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent customer service skills
• Strong organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Strong product knowledge of pipe, valves, and fittings for Plumbing / Mechanical systems
• Strong computer proficiency and technical aptitude with moderate to intermediate level ability to utilize Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, et al, and experience using ERP software (COINS preferred)
• Ability to work in a continuous improvement environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels; able to transfer knowledge to junior staff