Purchasing Manager

Liberty; Braintree (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Liberty, a Boston-area construction services leader, is seeking a Purchasing Manager to lead procurement and subcontracting across commercial, life sciences, and education projects. You will partner with Preconstruction, Project Management, and Operations to shape procurement strategies and ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

Responsibilities include developing procurement strategies, leading bid solicitations, analyzing drawings for scope coverage, managing supplier relationships, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in construction procurement or preconstruction.
• Experience in commercial, life sciences (laboratory/biotech), and/or education projects strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, and CSI divisions.
• Proven experience negotiating subcontracts and vendor agreements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategies for multiple projects, with a focus on cost control, schedule adherence, and risk mitigation.
• Lead the bid solicitation process for subcontractors and vendors, including scopes, leveling, and final buyout.
• Analyze drawings and specifications to ensure accurate scope coverage and completeness during procurement.
• Collaborate with Preconstruction to support budgeting, value engineering, and early procurement planning.
• Establish, maintain, and expand a qualified network of subcontractors and suppliers across commercial, life sciences, and education sectors.
• Evaluate subcontractor performance, capacity, safety record, and financial stability.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing to achieve best value while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Manage long-term supplier partnerships and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Oversee subcontract and purchase order issuance, ensuring alignment with project scope, schedule, and contractual requirements.
• Mitigate procurement-related risks, including escalation exposure, long-lead materials, and supply chain disruptions.
• Ensure compliance with company standards, insurance requirements, and regulatory obligations (OSHA, local jurisdictional requirements, etc.).
• Work with Project Managers and Superintendents to support project execution, including procurement scheduling and logistics.
• Track and manage long-lead items (e.g., lab equipment, mechanical/electrical systems, specialty installations).
• Support change management processes by sourcing and pricing change events efficiently.
• Monitor market trends, material pricing, and subcontractor availability, especially in high-demand sectors like life sciences and higher education.
• Provide cost insights and procurement recommendations during all project phases.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, standardization, and process improvements.

Skills

Procurement strategy

Vendor management

Contract negotiation

Subcontracting

Cost control

Risk management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or Business

Job description

Founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 2007, Liberty offers expertise in a broad array of construction and equipment services nationwide including general requirements, equipment, supply, concrete, special projects, and site access solutions. Our experience, combined with our innovative approach and stellar customer service, ensures a seamless experience - with safety and reliability at the forefront. We've built strong relationships with key contractors and clients in every sector, including commercial, residential, healthcare, and higher education.

Overview:

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading procurement and subcontracting activities across commercial, life sciences, and institutional (education) construction projects. This role partners closely with Preconstruction, Project Management, and Operations teams to develop procurement strategies, manage vendor relationships, and ensure materials and subcontract packages are delivered on time, on budget, and in alignment with project requirements and company standards.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategies for multiple projects, with a focus on cost control, schedule adherence, and risk mitigation
• Lead the bid solicitation process for subcontractors and vendors, including scopes, leveling, and final buyout
• Analyze drawings and specifications to ensure accurate scope coverage and completeness during procurement
• Collaborate with Preconstruction to support budgeting, value engineering, and early procurement planning
• Establish, maintain, and expand a qualified network of subcontractors and suppliers across commercial, life sciences, and education sectors
• Evaluate subcontractor performance, capacity, safety record, and financial stability
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing to achieve best value while maintaining quality and compliance
• Manage long-term supplier partnerships and strategic sourcing initiatives
• Oversee subcontract and purchase order issuance, ensuring alignment with project scope, schedule, and contractual requirements
• Mitigate procurement-related risks, including escalation exposure, long-lead materials, and supply chain disruptions
• Ensure compliance with company standards, insurance requirements, and regulatory obligations (OSHA, local jurisdictional requirements, etc.)

Project Coordination

• Work with Project Managers and Superintendents to support project execution, including procurement scheduling and logistics
• Track and manage long-lead items (e.g., lab equipment, mechanical/electrical systems, specialty installations)
• Support change management processes by sourcing and pricing change events efficiently
• Monitor market trends, material pricing, and subcontractor availability, especially in high-demand sectors like life sciences and higher education
• Provide cost insights and procurement recommendations during all project phases
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, standardization, and process improvements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of experience in construction procurement or preconstruction
• Experience in commercial, life sciences (laboratory/biotech), and/or education projects strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, and CSI divisions
• Proven experience negotiating subcontracts and vendor agreements

Working Conditions:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; talk or hear; perform fine motor, hand and finger skills in the use of a keyboard, telephone, or writing. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; and reach with arms and/or hands. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The employee will spend their time in an office environment with a quiet to moderate noise level.

Disclaimer:

The Above description covers the principal duties and responsibilities of the job. The description shall not, however, be construed as a complete listing of all miscellaneous, incidental or similar duties which may be required from day to day