Industrial Purchasing Specialist (Materials & Suppliers)

Thompson Pipe Group; Grand Prairie (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Thompson Pipe Group – Pressure in Grand Prairie, TX is seeking a Buyer to support high-volume procurement for engineered concrete, steel, and FRP pressure pipe products. You will read engineering drawings and specs, evaluate sourcing options, negotiate with suppliers, and ensure on-time delivery while collaborating with Engineering, Operations, and Project Management.

This role requires a 2–3 year purchasing background in manufacturing, familiarity with ERP systems, and a passion for cost

Qualifications

• Read engineering drawings, specifications, and industry standards (AWWA, ASTM, ANSI) applicable to concrete, steel, and FRP pipe manufacturing.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms with suppliers.
• Evaluate and qualify alternative materials and suppliers, and manage vendor relationships.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Organize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Communicate effectively across departments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with ERP systems (IFS) or similar.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team.
• Knowledge of water and wastewater industry and raw materials markets is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and project docs to determine purchasing requirements.
• Evaluate materials and sourcing options to optimize cost, lead time, and quality.
• Source, qualify, and onboard suppliers for raw materials and components; maintain vendor base.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and lead times with suppliers to support project schedules.
• Build and manage vendor relationships with performance reviews and issue resolution.
• Support high-volume purchasing across multiple facilities.
• Execute purchasing requirements based on buyout lists and docs.
• Analyze daily requirements and shortages using ERP (IFS).
• Coordinate with Production, Engineering, Receiving, and PM to resolve issues.
• Verify requirements against drawings and investigate discrepancies.
• Issue POs and track confirmations, schedules, and deliveries.
• Follow up to ensure on-time delivery and address delays.
• Monitor market trends to anticipate cost/lead-time changes and adjust strategy.
• Maintain purchasing records in ERP (IFS).
• Document cost savings and identify process improvements.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Reading drawings

Negotiation

Vendor management

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Prioritization

Communication

Excel

ERP experience

Independent worker

Water industry knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field

Tools

IFS ERP

Job description

Thompson Pipe Group – Pressure in Grand Prairie, TX is seeking a Buyer to support high-volume procurement for engineered concrete, steel, and FRP pressure pipe products. You will read engineering drawings and specs, evaluate sourcing options, negotiate with suppliers, and ensure on-time delivery while collaborating with Engineering, Operations, and Project Management.

This role requires a 2–3 year purchasing background in manufacturing, familiarity with ERP systems, and a passion for cost