The Construction Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and tracking materials, equipment, tools, and services required to support multiple departments and projects within a data center construction environment. This role works closely with project managers, superintendents, warehouse personnel, engineering teams, and vendors to ensure materials are procured cost-effectively, delivered on time, and aligned with project schedules.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and experienced managing procurement for fast-paced construction operations with multiple simultaneous projects.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Procure construction materials, equipment, tools, and consumables for multiple departments and job sites.
- Obtain and evaluate vendor quotations to ensure competitive pricing and best value.
- Create and manage purchase orders and monitor order status through delivery.
- Coordinate material deliveries with project teams, warehouse personnel, and vendors.
- Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and subcontractors.
- Monitor inventory levels and proactively replenish critical materials.
- Resolve procurement issues including shortages, backorders, damaged goods, and delivery delays.
- Track expenditures and support budget management efforts.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
- Maintain accurate procurement records, pricing databases, and vendor information.
- Assist with forecasting material requirements based on project schedules and upcoming work.
- Coordinate long‑lead equipment purchases to avoid project delays.
- Ensure purchased materials meet project specifications and quality standards.
- Collaborate with accounting on invoice reconciliation and purchase order matching.
- Support continuous improvement efforts related to procurement processes and supply chain management.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
- 3+ years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or construction materials management experience.
- Strong understanding of construction materials and equipment.
- Experience managing multiple simultaneous projects and priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and ERP/procurement software.
- Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
- Ability to analyze pricing, budgets, and purchasing trends.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting data center, industrial, electrical, mechanical, or commercial construction projects.
- Knowledge of electrical construction materials including conduit, wire, cable tray, switchgear, transformers, and equipment.
- Experience with NetSuite, Procore, Sage, Acumatica, or similar software.
- Supply chain or procurement certifications are a plus.