Director of Purchasing

Overview & Position Summary

This role provides strategic and operational leadership for the purchasing function, overseeing procurement strategy, supplier partnerships, and cost management initiatives that support divisional construction, product, and financial objectives. The position is accountable for aligning purchasing operations with community launches, build cycles, product strategies, and long-range business plans. It leads experienced purchasing leaders and professionals, driving consistency, scalability, and performance across multiple communities, product types, or geographic areas. The role partners closely with senior operational leaders to optimize cost, quality, schedule adherence, and revenue opportunities while ensuring disciplined purchasing governance and execution.

Primary Responsibilities

• Set and execute divisional purchasing strategies that align with business plans, construction schedules, product offerings, and financial targets.
• Provide leadership, direction, and development to Purchasing Managers and senior purchasing professionals, ensuring strong execution and accountability.
• Oversee all bidding, negotiation, contracting, and pricing activities for trade partners, suppliers, and service providers across communities and product lines.
• Establish and maintain executive-level relationships with key trade partners, suppliers, and trade councils to support capacity planning, performance, and long-term partnerships.
• Drive direct cost management through value engineering initiatives, budget reviews, market analysis, and ongoing pricing optimization.
• Collaborate with Construction, Operations, Design, Sales, Finance, and Land Development leadership to support new community openings, plan changes, and option strategies.
• Oversee purchasing involvement in plan development, specification changes, product feasibility, and option introduction to balance cost, quality, and revenue.
• Ensure accurate development and maintenance of scopes of work, pricing models, community budgets, and procurement documentation.
• Lead option and upgrade cost strategy in partnership with Sales and Design, including margin analysis and retail pricing alignment.
• Establish and enforce purchasing policies, approval authorities, internal controls, and compliance standards across the division.
• Resolve escalated supplier, pricing, contractual, and operational issues impacting multiple communities or functions.
• Oversee purchasing systems, data integrity, reporting, and analytics to support forecasting, budgeting, and executive decision-making.
• Champion process improvement, system enhancements, and best practices to scale purchasing operations efficiently.
• Represent Purchasing in executive meetings, cross-functional initiatives, and strategic planning discussions.

Education & Experience

Required: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Construction Management, or related field. Minimum of 6-8 years of relevant experience in purchasing, procurement, or construction operations OR 10-12 years of equivalent experience.

Preferred: Experience in homebuilding purchasing, including negotiation of trade agreements and management of multiple product types or communities. Prior experience leading teams of purchasing professionals.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of purchasing processes, construction materials, trade management, and residential building operations.
• Ability to lead and develop a team of experienced professionals.
• Proficient negotiation skills with the ability to manage pricing, contracts, and supplier performance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with experience addressing moderately complex operational challenges.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across functional teams.
• Ability to influence decision-making outside of direct reporting lines.
• Proficiency with procurement systems, estimation tools, and construction management platforms.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret data, trends, and budgets to support accurate decision-making.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily conducted in a professional office environment, with routine collaboration across departments and external partners. Occasional visits to construction sites are required to assess trade performance or validate scopes of work. Limited travel may be required for vendor meetings, training, or coordination with other divisions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during office work.
• Ability to walk construction sites with uneven terrain during field visits.
• Ability to lift or carry documents and materials up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to use hands for typing, system navigation, and document preparation.
• Ability to communicate clearly in meetings, presentations, and vendor interactions.

Automobile Allowance Requirement

This position is eligible for an automobile allowance. Candidates must maintain a valid driver's license, personal vehicle, and automobile insurance meeting company coverage requirements. Proof of insurance will be required before employment.

Compensation

Base Salary: $150,000-$175,000

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bonus Type: Year-end Discretionary

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: A competitive compensation structure that rewards performance and results.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive coverage includes medical, dental, and vision insurance options, as well as Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Financial Future: Access to a 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and other leave types (bereavement, jury duty, FMLA, military leave).
• Insurance & Protection: Company-provided life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, and an employee assistance program (EAP).
• Exclusive Perks & Discounts: Exclusive home purchase and financing discounts, and discounted group pet insurance rates.