Senior Purchasing Specialist

KBR Careers; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

KBR Careers is seeking a Senior Purchasing Specialist in Houston, Texas to handle the procurement for large EPC projects. You will negotiate supplier contracts, resolve delivery issues, and work closely with engineering teams to ensure efficient material flow.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in Supply Chain Management or Business and 6+ years of relevant experience with a proven track record in cost reduction initiatives. KBR offers a robust benefits package including a 401(k) plan, medical coverage, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of procurement and supply chain management experience with a global EPC company.
• Experience with bid evaluation, execution of agreements, and commercial strategy.
• Proven track record in driving cost reduction initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement of goods and services for large EPC projects.
• Negotiate supplier terms and secure cost efficiencies.
• Coordinate with operations and project management teams.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Cost reduction

Analytical skills

Communication skills

MS Office proficiency

Education

Undergraduate degree in Supply Chain Management or Business

Tools

E-procurement tools

Job description

Senior Purchasing Specialist

KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) provides holistic and value‑added solutions across the entire asset life cycle. These include world‑class licensed process technologies, differentiated advisory services, deep technical domain expertise, energy transition solutions, high‑end design capabilities, and smart solutions to optimize planned and operating assets.

KBR is seeking a Principal Purchasing Specialist to support large EPC projects by managing the procurement of goods and services under direct supervision. This role is responsible for negotiating supplier terms, securing cost efficiencies, resolving delivery or quality issues, and coordinating closely with operations, maintenance, warehouse, and engineering teams to ensure the timely and efficient flow of materials.

Functional Responsibilities

• Under general direction, execute and supervise cradle to grave purchasing activities (including bid, evaluate, award cycle, execution of agreements, execution of changes, price and schedule negotiations) for a specific commodity group or project.
• Negotiate favorable terms, volume discounts and long‑term contracts with suppliers for the procurement of goods, services and supplies.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives for a specific project or category.
• Understand, track, and forecast the key cost drivers and market factors for assigned category group.
• Assist in developing a category‑specific sourcing strategy to support corporate and divisional objectives, providing the company competitive advantage in the areas of materials, supplies, and services and ensuring alignment with engineering.
• Identify corrective actions and measures in case of quality or schedule issues with suppliers.
• Work closely with engineering and the project management teams.
• Assure that problems are reported timely to the projects and senior procurement management.
• Locate, analyze, and develop a consolidated supplier base to meet current and future project needs.
• Create and maintain mutually beneficial long‑term partnerships with suppliers to foster feedback and continuous improvement.
• Provide input to drive continuous improvement in all aspects of the procurement process, procedures and tools.
• Conduct the orderly closeout of procurement operations, including settlement of claims and back‑charges, and resolving punch list items assigned to procurement.
• Participate in important negotiations and claim negotiations for their scope of procurement.

Required Education, Experience & Skills

• Undergraduate degree (preferably in Supply Chain Management or Business) or 6+ years of procurement and supply chain management experience with a global EPC company executing contracts in key industries such as refining, LNG, petrochemical, chemical, etc.
• Experience in purchasing including bid, evaluate, award cycle, execution of agreements, execution of changes, price and schedule negotiations, and commercial strategy.
• Proven track record in cost reduction programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills to communicate commercial solutions and concepts to procurement personnel and non‑procurement personnel.
• Experience using e‑procurement tools, such as e‑bidding or e‑auctions.
• Ability to work in a complex, schedule‑driven environment.
• Strong analytical skills, proficiency in MS Office products, and the ability to learn new software quickly.
• Experience in lump‑sum procurement environments.

Preferred Education & Skills

• Ability to speak Mandarin.
• Experience with international project locations.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include a 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development. Click here to learn more: KBR Benefits.

We Deliver – Together

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR. At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can belong, connect and grow.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.