Purchasing Agent

Talentify; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% company match 401(k)

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Annual bonus program

Paid parental leave

Training/professional development

Wellness benefits

Job summary

Southland Industries is seeking a Purchasing Agent to execute quoting, procurement, and delivery of specified products from qualified suppliers. The role emphasizes best-value recommendations for cost, quality, and delivery within established company policies.

The candidate should have a 2-year AA degree or equivalent experience, with 3+ years in construction procurement preferred. Strong negotiation, communication, and ERP skills (COINS preferred) are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• AA degree or equivalent experience preferred or required.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in the construction industry preferred.
• Strong knowledge of purchasing practices, systems, and processes.
• Effective negotiation and procurement skills to secure timely, cost-effective items.
• Excellent time management, multi-project handling, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Fulfill material requisitions, procure items at competitive prices, and ensure on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with A/P and PM to resolve invoices and payments.
• Assist with bid documents, inquiries, and award recommendations.
• Coordinate with project teams to procure goods and services; resolve supplier issues.

Skills

Negotiation

Procurement

Time management

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

AA degree or equivalent experience

Tools

COINS ERP

Job description

Position Summary

This role is responsible for executing the quoting, procurement, and delivery of specified products and/or services from qualified suppliers and subcontractors within established Company policies and practices. The Purchasing Agent will be responsible for determining and making recommendations for the best evaluated solution for the Company with respect to cost, quality, delivery, National Supply Agreement and other similar elements.

Position Details

• Fulfills material requisitions from field staff, estimating or fabrication shop, procures and ensures product is ordered at a competitive price and delivery of product to user within required timeframes.
• Partners with staff and management to eliminate waste and streamline systems. Partners closely with A/P and Project Management to quickly resolve problem invoices and remits for payment within an acceptable time frame.
• Assists in compiling and preparing bid documents and bidders list, including inquiry preparations, request for bids and recommendations for award of contract.
• Coordinates and assists with project managers and other job functions in procuring goods and services, such as raw materials, equipment, tools, parts and supplies. Assist in resolving issues and conflicts related to supplier activities.
• Coordinates bulk deliveries of rough products, to meet deadlines.
• Prepares and manages purchase orders and follows up on past-due purchase orders.

Qualifications

• 2 year AA degree preferred or equivalent experience
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in the construction industry preferred.
• Strong knowledge of purchasing practices, systems, and practices.
• Good ability to effectively negotiate and procure items in a timely manner.
• Must possess excellent time management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, while planning and executing timely, effectively, efficiently, and accurately
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, quality oriented, and strong attention to detail required.
• Strong product knowledge of pipe, valves, and fittings for Plumbing / mechanical systems.
• Ability to operate a personal computer using spreadsheet, word processing, data base 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.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation 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, 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.

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.