Procurement Specialist

Location:

Richland, WA

Company:
Columbia Energy & Environmental Services

Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, headquartered in Richland, WA, is a well-established small business with a strong track record of delivering comprehensive solutions in engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, and other specialized services. With expertise in fixed-price design/build/test projects, we serve both federal and commercial clients, consistently delivering high-quality results through innovation and technical precision.

Our collaborative and experienced team is committed to providing practical, client-focused solutions tailored to address a wide range of challenges. As part of our ongoing growth, we have recently expanded operations to Idaho Falls, , further broadening our capabilities. We take pride in maintaining a strong reputation for quality and integrity while ensuring compliance with rigorous industry standards.

Why Join Columbia Energy?

At Columbia Energy, we foster a supportive and innovative environment where team members can thrive. As a growing small business with ambitious goals, we value initiative, teamwork, and a dedication to quality. This role offers the opportunity to work on impactful projects while advancing your career in a company that values precision, efficiency, and collaboration.

We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Procurement Specialist to support our project operations through effective purchasing, vendor negotiations, and material management. Reporting to the Fabrication Engineering Manager, this role is responsible for the end-to-end procurement lifecycle — from sourcing and vendor selection to purchase order execution and delivery verification — ensuring that all materials, equipment, and services are procured in alignment with project timelines, budgets, and technical specifications.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, demonstrates exceptional negotiation skills, and is comfortable working across multiple departments to anticipate needs, resolve challenges, and maintain consistent supply chain flow. This position requires balancing day-to-day purchasing responsibilities with strategic oversight of supplier performance, cost analysis, and market trends.

• Procure equipment, engineered systems, and construction materials in accordance with established procurement plans.
• Negotiate vendor terms, pricing, and delivery schedules to secure cost-effective and timely solutions.
• Source, evaluate, and recommend new suppliers based on quality, reliability, and cost factors.
• Prepare and issue purchase requisitions (PRs) and specifications for fabrication and material requests.
• Develop bid evaluations and spreadsheets, making purchase recommendations supported by cost-benefit analysis.
• Monitor supplier performance, address nonconformance issues, and identify opportunities for improved service and pricing.
• Stay informed of market trends, availability, and lead times for critical materials.

• Ensure materials are available to meet contract schedules and avoid project delays.
• Manage procurement reporting systems to validate and track project requirements from purchase through delivery.
• Coordinate closely with Receiving to verify deliveries, resolve discrepancies, and confirm documentation accuracy.
• Maintain organized procurement records in alignment with quality program requirements (NQA-1).
• Support project evaluations, recommend process improvements, and implement approved changes.

• Review requisitions for accuracy, proper account coding, and budget alignment.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and company policies, including material standards such as ASTM.
• Support and document procurement activities in accordance with regulatory and quality assurance requirements.

• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze cost, lead time, and supplier performance to inform purchasing decisions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and electronic procurement software.
• Ability to develop and maintain structured systems for procurement tracking, reporting, and documentation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for internal collaboration and external vendor relations.

• Experience with electronic procurement software.
• Experience working under an NQA-1 quality program.
• Knowledge of ASTM material standards, alloys, and raw material forms.
• Strong working knowledge of supply chain processes in fabrication, manufacturing, or construction environments.

• Organized, resourceful, and results-driven.
• Self-motivated with a positive, solutions-focused mindset.
• Able to work independently while…