Category Buyer I or II (Solar Racking)

About the role

The Category Buyer I or II is responsible for leading and acting as the point of contact for end-to-end purchasing life cycle of materials including planning and executing purchase orders, determining transport for these orders on/off job site, executing agreements, expediting material and resolving quality and invoice issues. This position will ensure materials are purchased at the lowest total cost consistent with considerations of quality, reliability of source, and urgency of need. The Category Buyer partners with the Category team to build and leverage category strategies and manage supplier performance. Responsible for tactical purchasing activities of assigned commodities while establishing and maintaining excellent vendor and internal customer relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop plans, generate, adjust and expedite purchase orders based upon requisitions, project insights, interpretation of drawing take-offs, billing of materials (BOM), and inventory strategies
• Lead initiatives to expedite tracking and monitoring of purchase orders in the most efficient and effective manner, keeping informed and mitigating any problems and delays, while communicating any impacts or constraints to the Planner and Project Manager
• Distribute and facilitate day to day communication with suppliers to ensure on time delivery, system data integrity and ordering parameters for individual materials
• Ensure suppliers are in compliance with safety, quality, and performance requirements
• Build strong knowledge of assigned category, inclusive of manufacturing process, key supplier capabilities, pricing, and should cost models
• Keep abreast of new and emerging technologies related to Procurement practices and assigned category
• Communicate site access maps to suppliers along with all relevant transport and communication information to suppliers
• Facilitate meetings internally and externally to manage, track, and expedite orders
• Maintain clear communication channels with internal stakeholders regarding deviation from best practices if project delivery dates are at risk of being compromised or delayed
• Verify requisition data and resolve discrepancies through detailed communication with requisitioners and suppliers
• Participate in vendor negotiations and identify deviations from standard contract terms
• Coverage for spouse, domestic partner, and children
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders including legal, commercial services, permitting, insurance, accounting, and preconstruction to ensure contract compliance and proper documentation
• Own purchase order book by ensuring data cleanliness, completeness, and reliability of data from requisition to payment of invoice
• Oversee vendor submittals related to materials and ensure the processes are being followed in a timely manner and resolve issues as they arise
• Provide input to Project Scheduling team for project schedules, including vendor submittal lead times, applicable material lead times, and any changes in schedule for executed purchase orders
• Participate in regular business reviews with suppliers to review performance including safety, quality, timeliness, and competitiveness
• Maintain procurement data, support KPI reporting, and assist with project closeout and administrative procurement activities
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Category Buyer I: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience One+ years related experience in purchasing, planning or a related Supply Chain function Experience within construction industries preferred
• Category Buyer II: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business or Finance, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience Three+ years related experience in purchasing, planning or a related Supply Chain function Experience within construction industries preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of construction processes, materials, purchasing processes and procedures
• Data analysis and problem-solving skills
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft office suite
• Able to be accurate, precise and follow set procedures and standards
• Collaboration, written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to travel up to 25%

Benefits

Financial Wellbeing Compensation $70,000 - $103,000 / year, commensurate with experience Competitive pay with ongoing performance review and merit increase 401(k) with company match & Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) Flexible spending account (Healthcare & Dependent care) Health & Wellness Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (plan choice) - coverage for spouse, domestic partner, and children Diabetes Management, Telehealth Coverage, Prescription Drug Plan, Pet Insurance, Weight Management Drug Discount Discounted National Gym Membership Network Family & Lifestyle Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Bereavement Leave Military Leave, including Benefits Continuation Employee Assistance Program Planning for the Unexpected Short and long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment Voluntary life insurance, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity coverage Emergency Travel Assistance Program Group legal plan