Purchasing Agent
About The Role
The Purchasing Agent plays a critical role in supporting the successful delivery of utility substations, transmission, and distribution projects by strategically procuring materials, developing strong supplier relationships, and ensuring critical equipment is delivered safely, on schedule, and at the best overall value. This position partners closely with Project Managers, Engineering, Estimating, Accounting, and leading manufacturers to source materials, manage supplier performance, reduce project risk, and support some of the nation’s most critical electrical infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver who enjoys building relationships, negotiating with suppliers, analyzing pricing, and helping projects succeed through strategic procurement.
Company Overview
Established in 1977, Great Southwestern Construction, Inc. (Great Southwestern) – a subsidiary of MYR Group Inc. – has successfully completed hundreds of transmission, distribution, substation, live line, and clean energy projects nationwide. We are well positioned as a contractor of choice for providing transmission, distribution, and substation construction, telecommunication systems, maintenance, and emergency restoration services. We utilize our well-established, long-standing reputation to create enduring relationships. We have built this reputation by meeting the needs of our clients and team members in a safe and innovative work atmosphere. Our leadership team is second to none in providing support and opportunities for growth, with over half of our senior management team having been promoted within the company. We believe in creating a balanced work-life environment built on our culture and values of safety, integrity, respect, and initiative. With industry leading benefits and compensation, we showcase the true value of our craft workers and truly put our People First.
Essential Functions
- Solicit, evaluate, and compare supplier quotations to obtain the best overall value.
- Prepare, review, and issue purchase orders while ensuring accuracy and compliance with company procedures.
- Analyze pricing, lead times, freight, and commercial terms.
- Develop competitive sourcing strategies that improve project performance.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and schedule requirements.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers.
- Serve as a trusted point of contact for vendor communications.
- Conduct supplier meetings and participate in occasional manufacturer facility visits.
- Evaluate supplier performance including pricing, quality, responsiveness, and delivery.
- Support the development of strategic supplier partnerships.
- Support multiple fast-paced electrical construction projects simultaneously.
- Monitor long-lead equipment and proactively identify schedule risks.
- Expedite critical materials to meet project milestones.
- Maintain accurate procurement records, tracking and communicate project status updates.
- Aid in the negotiation of pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, and other commercial conditions.
- Cook up with internal stakeholders regarding supplier agreements and contract requirements.
- Aid in identifying procurement risks and recommending mitigation strategies.
- Recommend process improvements that increase procurement efficiency.
- Identify opportunities to leverage supplier capabilities across projects.
- Support initiatives that improve supplier performance and reduce total project cost.
- Participate in departmental training and continuous professional development.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of experience working within the electrical construction industry.
- PREFERRED EDUCATION: Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Purchasing or related field; a combination of relevant education and experience considered in lieu of degree.
- Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Strong computer skills including Excel, Bluebeam and Adobe.
- Proficient with Microsoft applications.
- Ability to successfully negotiate.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and problem solve.
- Efficient supply management skills.
- Experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain, logistics, construction, manufacturing, or project coordination.
- Experience supporting Engineer/Procure/Construct (EPC), utility, industrial, or electrical construction projects.
- Knowledge of electrical construction materials including steel, transformers, breakers, relay panels, bus systems, conductor, or substation equipment.
- Familiarity with ERP systems and procurement software.
What We Offer
- Compensation & Benefits:
- Salary: $60,000 - $95,000 / year.
- Commensurate with experience, paid weekly.
- Comprehensive benefits package - Medical, Basic Vision, Regenexx, Teledoc, Hearing, Mental Health (Low deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums).
- ThrivePass Health & Wellness Reimbursement Program - Twelve hundred dollars annually for health and wellbeing-related purchases.
- Annual Paid Time Off starting at 15 days plus 10 paid Holidays (Cultural Celebration Day is a floating holiday).
- Generous 401(k) Plan with 100% match up to 6%; immediate vesting, and Annual profit-sharing potential.
- Superior educational assistance program (support for educational costs, internal training, and more!).
- Company-paid short and long-term disability, life, and accidental death & dismemberment.
- Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).
- Variety of voluntary plans available including supplemental vision, accident and critical illness, ID theft, group legal, group auto & home, and additional voluntary life insurance plans for employees and dependents.
Accessibility
If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process, contact our Employment Hotline at 1-855-635-1321. MYR Group, Inc. and our subsidiaries are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background, which connects our family of brands. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, or other protected characteristics. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.