Purchasing Agent

Southland Industries; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Annual bonus program

Paid holidays and time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Southland Industries is seeking a Purchasing Agent to execute quoting, procurement, and delivery of materials from qualified suppliers and subcontractors in alignment with company policies. You will determine best value considering cost, quality, and delivery.

Expect to partner with field staff, project management, and A/P to resolve issues, manage purchase orders, and ensure timely fulfillment while fostering continuous improvement in purchasing practices.

Qualifications

• AA degree or equivalent required or preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of construction-industry purchasing experience.
• Strong negotiation and time-management skills.
• Proficient in ERP software and supplier collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Execute quoting, procurement, and on-time delivery.
• Negotiate prices and lead times with suppliers.
• Coordinate with A/P and PM to resolve invoices.
• Prepare bids and assist with procurement efforts.
• Maintain purchase orders and monitor past-due items.

Skills

Purchasing

Negotiation

Vendor management

ERP systems

Education

AA degree or equivalent

Tools

COINS ERP

Excel

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

• 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.

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.

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).