Purchasing Specialist

Tri-City Group; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Tri-City Group in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Purchasing Specialist to handle day-to-day site needs, including PO issuance and vendor coordination. This full-time role requires strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and experience with construction purchasing.

Candidates with experience on large-scale projects are preferred. Schedule is Monday–Friday, with occasional evenings/weekends; applicants must pass drug screening and reference checks; Tri-City Group is an equal opportunity

Qualifications

• 5+ years of purchasing experience, preferably in construction.
• Experience with large-scale construction projects.
• Experience in commercial, industrial, and mission-critical projects is required.
• Electrical Construction purchasing experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Issue and approve Purchase Orders per company guidelines.
• Coordinate with Project Management to maintain inventory levels.
• Evaluate vendors based on price, reliability, capability, and history.
• Source multiple vendors for critical materials to improve efficiency.
• Negotiate volume discounts and other cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure purchasing documents are accurate with reasonable terms.
• Communicate issues with availability and delivery to the Project Management Team.
• Maintain pricing histories and vendor records for strategic purchasing.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Negotiation

Problem solving

Initiative

Education

Associate degree (preferred)

Job description

Tri-City Group is seeking a Purchasing Specialist for an immediate opening in Cedar Rapids, IA. The Purchasing Specialist will handle day‑to‑day job site needs.

Job Duties

• Issue and approve Purchase Orders (POs) according to company guidelines.
• Coordinate with Project Management to maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Evaluate vendors based on price, reliability, capability, and transaction history, with guidance from the Procurement Team.
• Source multiple vendors for critical materials to enhance efficiency and minimize potential delays.
• Negotiate volume, cash transaction discounts, and other cost‑saving opportunities with vendors.
• Ensure that all purchasing documents are accurate, complete, and contain reasonable terms and conditions.
• Communicate availability and delivery issues promptly to the Project Management Team.
• Maintain pricing histories and vendor records for reference and strategic purchasing decisions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or a related field (preferred but not required).
• 5+ years of purchasing experience, preferably in construction.
• Experience with large‑scale construction projects.
• Experience in commercial, industrial, and mission‑critical projects is required.
• Electrical Construction purchasing experience is required.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to problem‑solve under deadlines.
• Professional tact and consideration in vendor interactions.
• Initiative and sound judgment in purchasing decisions.

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM (Occasional evenings/weekends as needed). This is a full‑time position, and work hours may vary based on business needs.

Candidates must successfully pass a drug screening and reference check before employment. Tri‑City Group is an equal‑opportunity employer.