Purchasing Agent II

Cochran Inc.; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

401k

Medical, Dental & Vision

Life Insurance

Seven Paid Holidays

Voluntary Benefits

EAP

Job summary

Cochran, Inc. in Seattle, WA is seeking a Purchasing Agent II to support the Purchasing Department and ensure accurate data flow through accounting and project management systems. This role emphasizes procurement operations, PO lifecycle, and policy implementation to maintain consistency and efficiency.

You will collaborate with team members across units, analyze market changes, and prepare reports on trends and vendor performance to drive continuous improvements in sourcing and cost control.

Qualifications

• Degree in Construction Management or related field, or at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills for procurement processes.
• Proficient in MS Office and purchasing software; Viewpoint preferred.
• Ability to read technical procedures, RFQs, and construction docs.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate procurement operations across all business units.
• Oversee purchase orders lifecycle from initiation to closeout in in-house systems.
• Develop and maintain purchasing policies and procedures for consistency.
• Monitor workloads and ensure service standards in Purchasing Dept.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Microsoft Office

Purchasing software

Education

Construction Management degree

2 years relevant experience

Tools

Viewpoint

Job description

Job Title: Purchasing Agent II
Reports to: Purchasing Manager

Location: Seattle, WA

Pay range: $65,000-75,000/year (Salary, Exempt)

About Cochran

Light up your career path and join Cochran, a trailblazer in the Pacific Northwest's electrical and technology construction scene. We are at the forefront of fostering innovation in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. As one of the largest woman-owned contractors in the PNW, we take pride in powering innovation, human well-being, and community. Our success is driven by the extraordinary talent of our team members, and we are committed to fostering a workplace where employees thrive.

Since 1954, Cochran has played a major role in designing and installing electrical and technological infrastructure throughout the Pacific Northwest and across the country. With expertise in electrical, security systems, audio/visual, communications, service, and maintenance, our dedication to fresh thinking and proven execution is full-service.

Our values are proven, not explained:

• Be Transparent.
• Be Kind.
• Be Accountable.
• Be Respectful.
• Be Proactive.
• Be Inspired.
• Be Brilliant.
  

We’ve brought skylines, arenas, factories, even robots to life. While our technology evolves, our commitment to excellence never wavers. We’re ready to light the way, will you join us?

About the Role

As a Purchasing Agent II, you will be responsible for providing administrative and operational support to the Purchasing Department, with a primary focus on facilitating the smooth and accurate flow of data through Cochran’s accounting and project management systems.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordinate company-wide procurement operations, including sourcing materials, equipment, supplies, and subcontractor services across all business units
• Oversee the full lifecycle of purchase orders—initiation, issuance, verification of order acknowledgments, modifications, and internal closeout using in-house systems
• Develop, implement, and maintain purchasing policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure operational consistency
• Monitor and balance workloads within the Purchasing Department to maintain service standards and quality levels
• Conduct daily purchasing tasks, including importing vendor data into purchasing systems, transferring purchasing data into accounting software, and managing internal order requests
• Support the upkeep of accurate, current electronic price files for major distributors
• Track and evaluate market changes that affect frequently purchased items
• Prepare reports and communicate purchasing trends, vendor performance, and market updates as necessary
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives within the Purchasing Department and contribute to process enhancements across the organization

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Apply analytical thinking by researching data, incorporating experience and intuition, and contributing to the design of efficient workflows and procedures
• Solve problems effectively by identifying issues, gathering relevant data, and implementing timely, informed solutions
• Communicate with confidence and clarity in both verbal and written formats, articulating ideas, responding to questions, and presenting data in a clear, persuasive manner
• Collaborate across teams by meeting commitments, responding promptly to needs, encouraging open feedback, and fostering a constructive and solution-oriented team environment
• Demonstrate a proactive mindset by recognizing opportunities and anticipating potential challenges before they arise
• Lead by example through collaboration, integrity, and actions that build trust and respect among team members
• Align your work with strategic business goals by understanding the broader impact of decisions and contributing to organizational success
• Thrive in dynamic environments by adapting quickly to changes, delays, and evolving circumstances, modifying strategies as needed

We are looking for someone with the following competencies:

• Degree in Construction Management or a related field, or at least 2 years of relevant experience
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, requests for quotes and procurement, construction documents, and government regulations
• Skilled in writing reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Capable of effectively presenting information and responding to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the public
• Proficient in mathematical concepts including probability, statistical inference, plane and solid geometry, and trigonometry
• Able to apply math skills such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
• Strong reasoning skills with the ability to solve practical problems where only limited standardization exists
• Able to interpret a wide range of instructions delivered in written, oral, diagram, or schedule format
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience with purchasing and estimating software; Viewpoint experience preferred
• No certifications or licenses required
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and outdoor weather while performing job duties

Why Cochran?

Company Benefits

PTO | 401k | Medical, Dental & Vision | Life Insurance | Seven Paid Holidays | Voluntary Benefits | EAP

Other compensation bonuses are eligible.

DEIB Statement

Cochran, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Accessibility Statement

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Cochran, Inc. is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment, including the application process. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact: [e-mail].

Compensation (Pay Range): $65,000-75,000/year (Salary, Exempt)

An employee's compensation level within the range will be based on several factors, including but not limited to geographic location, experience, relevant education, qualifications, skills, organizational needs, and performance.

Join Cochran and bring your expertise in Electrical Construction to a company dedicated to innovation and excellence. We are excited to welcome a leader who will be pivotal in our continued growth and success!