Senior Purchasing Agent

Position Summary

The Senior Purchasing Agent is responsible for managing the procurement of materials, equipment, and services in support of active construction projects. This role serves as a key liaison between project teams, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and cost-effective purchasing while maintaining project schedules. The Senior Purchasing Agent also oversees purchase order processing, supplier coordination, material tracking, rental equipment procurement, and inventory-related transactions, including material receiving, returns, and credits. Utilizing the COINS ERP system and other purchasing tools, this position maintains accurate pricing records, monitors backorders and delivery schedules, and provides critical procurement support to Project Managers and Project Engineers. Success in this role requires strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced construction environment while fostering collaborative relationships with suppliers, field teams, accounting, and project management personnel. 

Position Details

• On-site Construction - project purchasing and placing orders. 
• Partners with suppliers to follow up on delivery dates, lead times, and back orders. Tracks the status of all back orders and informs appropriate team members and departments of any supplier issues. 
• Maintains current and accurate files of suppliers' pricing and vendor information within the ERP system and purchasing spreadsheets, utilizing COINS ERP. 
• Prepares invitations to bid and requests for proposals for quotations from vendors for products and services; submits to vendors as appropriate. 
• Reviews project material requirements, BOMs, specifications, and requisitions to identify purchasing requirements and coordinate materials with the appropriate vendors. 
• Processes material receivers and coordinates bulk deliveries of rough products to meet deadlines. 
• Manages purchase orders from procurement through delivery, including changes, material returns, credits, and discrepancies. 
• Researches market sources and vendors to locate and ensure the most cost-effective and competitive pricing for the purchase of products and services. 
• Identifies cost-saving opportunities, alternate suppliers/products, and solutions to procurement challenges. 
• Negotiates pricing with vendors as necessary. 
• Consults with proposed/new vendors to discuss company needs, services and products and company approval procedures. 
• Supports RFQs and RFPs and orders and tracks onsite rental equipment. 
• Assists Project Managers and Project Engineers with equipment purchases. 
• Provides guidance and support to less-experienced Purchasing employees and serves as a resource for complex procurement issues. 

Qualifications 

• High school degree or G.E.D required. 
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in purchasing or customer service support. 
• Understanding of purchasing practices and systems preferred. 
• Mechanical construction experience preferred, but not required. 
• Strong time management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, while planning and executing timely, effectively, efficiently, and accurately. 
• Excellent negotiation skills. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, quality-oriented, and strong attention to detail required. 
• Experience with Microsoft Suite- specifically Excel, database software, and experience using ERP software. (COINS preferred) 
• Ability to work in a continuous improvement environment. 
• Ability to work effectively with suppliers, customers, project management team, field staff, and accounting in a team environment. 
• Good verbal and written communication skills. 

Benefits

As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

• 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
• Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
• Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
• Disability income protection insurance
• Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
• Paid parental leave
• Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
• Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
• Wellness benefits 

About Southland Industries

As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued, apply now to join our dynamic team.

To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities, follow us on social media, and check out our website.

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Pay: Final pay is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. For California this ranges from $89,000.00 - $105,000.00 plus annual incentive, benefits, and retirement program as outlined above. 

Contingent Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.

External Agency Announcement: Its Southland Industries' policy not to accept candidate submissions from recruiting agencies without an active and authorized work order. Candidate ownership can only be established after a bona fide work order is issued by a member of the Southland Industries Talent Acquisition team and the candidate is appropriately submitted through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).