Purchasing Agent

Babcock & Wilcox; Akron (OH); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Babcock & Wilcox is seeking a Purchasing Agent to lead strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier management to support project execution and operations in Akron, Ohio. The role involves developing cost-saving sourcing strategies, negotiating high-value contracts, and ensuring compliance with company policies and standards.

The position collaborates with engineering, project management, operations, and finance teams to address procurement and supply chain issues, while driving continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.
• 4–6 years of procurement, strategic sourcing, or purchasing experience in a manufacturing or energy environment.
• Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements and contracts.
• Experience managing strategic suppliers and resolving issues across delivery, quality, and contracts.

Responsibilities

• Leads strategic sourcing activities including supplier identification, qualification, bids, and awards.
• Develops sourcing strategies to meet cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
• Negotiates terms, pricing, and master service agreements for complex procurements.
• Manages supplier performance related to quality, delivery, and contract compliance.
• Evaluates market conditions and supplier capabilities to mitigate risks and identify opportunities.
• Reviews requisitions and specs to ensure alignment with project needs.
• Creates and administers purchase orders and procurement documentation in ERP systems.
• Collaborates with engineering, operations, and finance to resolve commercial or procurement issues.
• Leads supplier development and corrective action initiatives to improve performance.
• Analyzes spend and supplier data to identify cost reductions and process improvements.
• Mentors junior buyers on procurement processes and best practices.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Spend analytics tools

Job description

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for the strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier management of assigned commodities, equipment, materials, and services supporting project execution and operational requirements. This role independently manages complex purchasing initiatives, develops sourcing strategies, leads commercial negotiations, and serves as a key liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders. The position is expected to identify opportunities for cost savings, supplier performance improvements, risk mitigation, and process efficiencies while ensuring compliance with company policies, quality standards, and business objectives. The Purchasing Agent provides guidance and expertise on procurement best practices and supports continuous improvement initiatives across the supply management function.

DUTIES

• Leads strategic sourcing activities including supplier identification, qualification, competitive bid events, supplier evaluations, and award recommendations.
• Develops and executes sourcing strategies for assigned commodities and services to ensure alignment with cost, quality, delivery, and business objectives.
• Independently negotiates commercial terms and conditions, pricing agreements, master service agreements, and purchase orders for complex and high-value procurements.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for strategic suppliers and manages supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and contract compliance.
• Evaluates market conditions, supplier capabilities, material availability, and industry trends to proactively address supply chain risks and opportunities.
• Reviews purchase requisitions and technical specifications to ensure procurement requirements are complete, accurate, and aligned with project and operational needs.
• Conducts supplier negotiations and develops award recommendations based on total cost, risk profile, technical capability, and delivery performance.
• Creates and administers purchase orders, contracts, and procurement documentation within enterprise resource planning systems and related procurement platforms.
• Collaborates with engineering, project management, operations, quality, legal, and finance teams to support project execution and resolve commercial or supply chain issues.
• Leads supplier development initiatives and corrective action efforts to improve performance and strengthen strategic supplier relationships.
• Analyzes spend data and supplier performance metrics to identify cost reduction opportunities, process improvements, and sourcing efficiencies.
• Provides mentorship and guidance to less experienced purchasing personnel regarding procurement processes, negotiations, and supplier management practices.
• Supports continuous improvement initiatives focused on procurement effectiveness, supply chain resilience, supplier quality, and operational efficiency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.
• Four to six years of progressively responsible procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or purchasing experience in a manufacturing, project-based, industrial, engineering, or energy environment.
• Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements, pricing structures, and supplier contracts.
• Demonstrated experience managing strategic suppliers and resolving commercial, delivery, quality, and contractual issues.
• Experience supporting large capital projects, engineered equipment procurement, or complex supply chain programs is preferred
• Advanced knowledge of procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract administration, and supply chain principles.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to evaluate business risks and negotiate favorable contractual outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex negotiations involving technical, commercial, and operational stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to develop sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, schedule, and risk considerations.
• Strong relationship management skills with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, procurement applications, spend analytics tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present recommendations and procurement strategies to leadership.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple high-priority procurement activities simultaneously.
• Ability to operate independently with limited supervision while exercising sound business judgment.

Location(s)

1200 E Market StSuite 650, Akron , Ohio 44305 , United States

Work Location

Hybrid

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