VP Purchasing

Ashton Woods Homes; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashton Woods is seeking a Vice President of Purchasing to lead strategic sourcing, contracting, estimating, and cost management for homebuilding operations. You will drive bidding cycles, supplier negotiations, and cost controls while developing trade relationships and improving procurement processes.

Travel across communities will be required to optimize margins. The role requires a strategic leader with ERP/DB proficiency, Excel expertise, and strong negotiation and team leadership abilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• 5+ years progressive homebuilding purchasing experience.
• Advanced proficiency with ERP/DB systems and Excel.
• Strong negotiation and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the purchasing strategy to support division goals.
• Plan annual project bidding; oversee cost comparisons and vendor negotiations.
• Manage trade partner costing, option pricing, and specifications.
• Ensure adherence to DB processes and cost controls; monthly cost reporting.
• Lead and develop purchasing team with clear metrics.

Skills

Negotiation

Leadership

Strategic planning

Cost control

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field

Tools

ERP/DB systems

Excel

Contract management software

Job description

Overview

Ashton Woods is more than just a home builder. From the sale of our first home in 1989 to recently being named Builder of the Year by Builder Magazine, our focus has always been on blazing new trails and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in homebuilding. Ashton Woods, the #1 private home builder in the United States, markets its homes through its two award-winning brands, Ashton Woods and Starlight Homes. The Ashton Woods brand is known for designing thoughtfully curated, inspired homes for people who love design. Starlight Homes builds homes designed specifically for the first-time homebuyer. Starlight Home’s goal is to make the dream of homeownership a reality for everyone, offering expertly crafted homes at an affordable price and ensuring its customers’ first journey into home buying is simple, smooth, and reassuring. We believe that what we accomplish together is greater than what we deliver individually. Our team members have inspired the shared values we embrace in all decisions and actions: Unwavering Integrity, Trail Blazing, Bold Action, Collective Compassion, and Unconditional Respect.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Ashton Woods sells new homes in Atlanta, Austin, Charleston, Dallas, Houston, Jacksonville, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, Raleigh, San Antonio and Tampa.

Position Summary

The VP of Purchasing is responsible for leading the company’s strategic sourcing, contracting, estimating, and cost‑management functions. This role directs all activities related to bidding, value engineering, supplier negotiations, and cost controls to ensure timely, high‑quality, and cost‑efficient homebuilding operations. Responsibilities include developing trade relationships, improving procurement processes, and driving margin improvement across all communities.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and lead the overall purchasing strategy to support the goals and objectives of the division. Drive cost reduction efforts that balance quality, functionality, and total cost of ownership. Guide design and plan development with a focus on efficiency and margin improvement.
• Bid & Contract Oversight: Plan and execute annual project‑specific bidding cycles. Oversee competitive bidding processes, conduct cost and value comparisons, lead contract negotiations, and award vendor contracts. Maintain national and local contracts, rebate tracking, and compliance documentation.
• Operational & Financial Management: Oversee trade partner costing, option pricing, and community specifications. Ensure adherence to Dynamic Builder (DB) processes, job costing standards, and system accuracy. Partner with Construction and Finance to reduce variances and meet budget objectives. Monthly reporting on current and future cost changes.
• Vendor Relations & Performance: Recruit, develop, and evaluate trade partners. Conduct trade orientations and performance reviews. Lead initiatives to enhance vendor innovation and service quality.
• Leadership & Team Development: Lead, develop, and mentor the purchasing team. Establish performance metrics, goals, and ongoing development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• At least five (5) years progressive homebuilding purchasing experience.
• Advanced proficiency in ERP/DB systems, Excel, and contract management software.
• Strong negotiation, strategic planning, and leadership capabilities.

Skills & Competencies

• Expert knowledge of construction costs, materials, building codes, and methods.
• High‑level analytical and cost‑modeling skills.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building ability across departments.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Typical Physical and Mental Demands

• Must be able to read, write, and speak fluently in English. Spanish language skills are helpful. Employees in the position are required to be able to hear and have sufficient vision to utilize all office equipment.
• Use of hands and fingers is required to utilize standard office equipment.
• Ability to drive an automobile for required travel.
• Requires occasional lifting up to 20 pounds.
• These physical requirements are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions if requested.

Working Conditions

This position operates primarily in the field requires travel to and from various locations daily. Some work will be performed in a standard office environment requiring the use of standard office equipment. Standing and walking will be required both in the field and in the office environment. The environment is fast paced and subject to numerous schedule and priority changes and short notice activity. Transportation is required; Safety concerns include dangers while driving.