Purchasing Agent

Responsibilities

• Monitor and reduce costs associated with products in development and construction phases.
• Collaborate with other departments to identify and implement cost-efficient methods and materials.
• Source new vendors and trades, and negotiate to obtain reduced costs.
• Execute purchase orders and work orders.
• Control and reduce costs by:
  • Choosing vendors using a balanced approach (quality, cost, and service).
  • Procuring contracts and materials at the lowest possible cost while maintaining quality and service standards.
  • Working with other departments to value engineer new products and projects.
  • Providing support and feedback for purchasing strategy adjustments.
  • Collaborating with peers to generate cost-cutting ideas and motivate each other to achieve goals.
  • Completing detailed cost and quantity estimates for residential products using comparative and differential estimating techniques in Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets.
  • Designing and implementing strategies to reduce build-times and costs while maintaining or increasing quality standards.
  • Ensuring accuracy of purchasing information on sales documents (option prices, custom option costing, selections, colors, etc.).
• Support new communities by:
  • Providing accurate quantity takeoffs for new plans.
  • Creating accurate material lists for each new plan.
  • Creating accurate contract budgets for each new plan.
  • Negotiating with trade contractors and vendors to deliver high value.
  • Creating accurate lot premium budgets for each new subdivision.
• Handle variance reporting by:
  • Tracking VPOs daily on the VPO Log.
  • Forwarding all "VPO Approved" emails to the appropriate Superintendent.
  • Reviewing the VPO Log at month-end and recommending improvements for future variances.
  • Submitting the Variance Report to the Purchasing Manager by the 25th of each month for all homes closed in the previous month.
  • Processing Exception Reports within 3 to 5 hours of receipt from Accounting (submit to Construction by 12 PM and to Accounting by 1:30 PM).
• Manage hard costs by:
  • Completing all hard cost updates by the assigned deadline.
  • Bidding lumber by the assigned deadline.
  • Running and reviewing the Hard Cost Report (following the Hard Cost Process exactly).
  • Running and reviewing Option Price Updates (following the Option Price Update Process exactly) and submitting them to the Purchasing Manager 3 days prior to the option price deadline.
  • Enforcing vendor increase policies.
• Oversee custom options by:
  • Tracking custom option requests and status on the Custom Option Tracker.
  • Estimating custom options (ensuring all estimates are completed within 3 days of the request or within 5 days for structural requests requiring drawings).
  • Ensuring the accuracy of all custom option estimates for Sales.
• Follow the House Release process exactly to ensure correct variance reporting.
• Provide a detailed Load Budget Request Sheet to Accounting with proper expectations when requesting budgets.
• Achieve cost-cut goals each quarter through negotiating and value engineering, and record progress on the Cost Cut Tracker.
• Maintain vendor paperwork by updating the Vendor Paperwork Tracker every Thursday and recording the date of the most recently signed Schedule A for all vendors.
• Ensure Hakes Brothers submits and collects on all rebate programs quarterly by the 10th of the month.
• Help Hakes Brothers become the Builder of Choice for trade contractors by:
  • Managing trade contractor and supplier relationships to help them accomplish their jobs effectively and efficiently.
  • Working with trade contractors to create value for both parties.
  • Maintaining firm but fair, consistent, and reliable interactions; instilling discipline; providing ample lead times; supplying proper materials; paying on time; being a good listener; and showing respect.
• Cooperate with other departments to improve the overall culture at Hakes Brothers.
• Maintain a professional appearance, act as a leader, and be a positive voice for the company.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• At least two years of relevant experience (preferred).
• Must own or have access to a vehicle for daily work.
• Must carry a valid driver’s license and auto liability insurance.

Skills

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to access and navigate all areas under consideration in all types of weather.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions (heat, rain, cold, etc.).