Purchasing Director

Middlesex co; Littleton (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with matching

Tuition reimbursement

Generous paid time off

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Littleton is seeking a Purchasing Director to manage corporate procurement and negotiate contracts. The ideal candidate has over 15 years of experience in heavy civil construction, strong leadership capabilities, and excellent communication skills. This role involves developing procurement strategies that align with project needs, ensuring timely delivery, and maintaining vendor relationships. The position offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, 401(k), and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in heavy civil construction.
• Advanced construction knowledge with heavy civil construction plans and specifications.
• Understanding and application of laws related to procurement activities.

Responsibilities

• Manage the corporate procurement function and Purchasing Department staff.
• Develop and implement procurement best practices and policies.
• Ensure procurement meets project milestones and avoid delays.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Time management

Communication skills

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor of Science in civil engineering, construction management, or related discipline

Job description

Overview

The Middlesex Corporation is a nationally recognized and award-winning leader in the heavy civil construction industry. Since 1972, the family business founded by Robert W. Pereira has developed an extensive client and project list through its consistent efforts to safely build America’s infrastructure. The Middlesex Corporation specializes in building and reconstructing highways, bridges, marine, rail, and transit facilities through its collaborative team approach and focus on core values. In addition, Middlesex Asphalt in Central Florida is one of the largest and most productive asphalt plants in the United States, with Middlesex Paving earning an equally solid regional presence and reputation.

Position Summary

The Purchasing Director is responsible for managing the corporate purchasing function, including procurement of materials, equipment, subcontracts, and temporary facilities required for the company’s construction projects and inventory, as well as negotiation of price, delivery, and credit terms. This role drives procurement policies, negotiates high-value agreements, ensures cost efficiency, and aligns purchasing activities with project schedules and corporate objectives. The Director will work closely with project leadership, estimating, legal, and executive management while fostering strong vendor and subcontractor partnerships that provide long-term value and competitive advantage.

Responsibilities

• Manage the corporate procurement function and Purchasing Department staff.


• Develop, implement, and ensure accountability to company-wide procurement best practices, policies, procedures, and strategies that efficiently support compliance, cost control, project execution, and risk mitigation.


• Oversee procurement planning to meet project milestones and avoid delays in material or equipment delivery.


• Maintain a close working relationship with preconstruction and project management to ensure accurate pricing, materials forecasting, timely acquisition, and delivery of materials and/or services.


• Review contract plans and specifications for contractual and technical accuracy before requesting proposals.


• Build, broaden, and maintain long-term relationships to strengthen the company’s supply chain and leverage buying power.


• Evaluate and prequalify subcontractors and vendors based on financial stability, safety performance, and capability to support the company’s operations.


• Oversee all procurement negotiations to ensure best value, quality, and reliability; directly handle negotiations of all major purchases.


• Ensure contractual agreements (purchase orders, subcontracts, etc.) are accurate, complete, and aligned with project/company requirements.


• Expedite, track, and resolve critical procurement issues, including damaged materials, delays, inferior quality, material shortages, urgent orders, and vendor performance problems.


• Monitor commitments and spending trends to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve forecasting accuracy.


• Evaluate inventory reorder levels to determine the most economical purchasing of construction materials, supplies, and inventory in relation to the company’s cost of capital.


• Provide regular procurement reporting (budget, buyout, forecasts, scheduling, status of purchasing commitments, etc.) to project management, the General Manager, and other executive leaders.


• Performs additional assignments as required, or as otherwise directed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a related discipline.


• 15+ years of progressive experience in heavy civil construction involving procurement, project management, or estimating.


• Leadership and management experience where responsibilities include strategic direction and planning.


• Advanced construction knowledge with a deep understanding of heavy civil construction plans, specifications, scopes, methods, and procedures.


• Familiarity with and understanding of supply chain process, procurement best practices, and risk.


• Solid judgment along with decision-making skills with a strong drive, time management, sense of urgency, and prioritization of project requirements in a fast-paced, changing environment.


• Understanding and application of applicable laws and regulations related to procurement activities.


• Ability and skill for negotiation and networking.


• Ability to use/create industry relationships to produce a competitive advantage, with an ability to deal with people tactfully and diplomatically outside of and within the organization.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present to all levels of the organization.


• Demonstrated conflict-resolution skills and professional judgment.


• Aptitude and desire for corporate social responsibility, integrity in business practices, and ethical decision-making.


• Demonstrated leadership and the ability to think strategically.

Necessary Attributes

• Must possess the ability to adapt to different personalities and management styles.


• Team player with good interpersonal skills.


• Ability to manage a team in an efficient and effective manner.


• Self-starter with good verbal and written communication skills.


• Reliance on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.


• Dedicated and hard working.


• Strong leadership qualities.

Benefits

We offer our full-time and eligible part-time team members a comprehensive benefits package that’s among the best in our industry. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision plans covering eligible team members and dependents, employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, top-tier 401 (k) with matching, tuition reimbursement, industry-leading referral program, and generous paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.