Purchasing Agent
Richmond American Homes · Salt Lake City Metropolitan Area · 2 mo ago
PurchasingFull-time
Primary Responsibilities
- Source, evaluate, and maintain qualified trade partners and suppliers to support assigned divisions or communities.
- Prepare, issue, and manage bid packages, scopes of work, and takeoffs to ensure complete, accurate, and competitive pricing.
- Solicit, analyze, and compare bids; negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts in alignment with company policies and budget targets.
- Cook up with Construction, Estimating, Operations, and Product teams to align purchasing decisions with plans, specifications, schedules, and build cycles.
- Maintain purchasing data, contracts, scopes, and pricing within purchasing and ERP systems, ensuring consistency and accuracy across communities.
- Support value engineering initiatives by analyzing costs, identifying alternatives, and recommending cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
- Monitor trade partner performance, availability, and compliance; assist in resolving pricing discrepancies, scope gaps, or performance concerns.
- Support new community setup activities, including bid launches, contract awards, documentation setup, and community kickoff coordination.
- Research market conditions, materials, and supplier trends to support competitive positioning and informed purchasing decisions.
- Aid in process improvements, documentation standards, and best practices to improve purchasing efficiency and cost control.
Required Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in purchasing, supply chain, or construction operations OR 6–8 years of equivalent experience.
- Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Construction Management, or a related field.
- Experience in homebuilding or residential construction purchasing.
- Familiarity with procurement platforms or construction-related purchasing tools.
Skills & Competencies
- Solid understanding of purchasing principles, contract terms, and cost analysis.
- Strong negotiation and vendor-management capabilities.
- Ability to analyze complex issues, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions.
- Eloquent communication skills for working with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency with purchasing or ERP systems, spreadsheets, and data analysis tools.
- Detail orientation with strong organizational and follow-through abilities.
- Ability to interpret construction drawings, scopes, and material requirements.
- Strong problem-solving skills using prior experience and analytical thinking.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
Working Conditions
- Work is primarily conducted in a professional office setting with regular interaction across departments and suppliers.
- Occasional travel to construction sites is required to verify scopes, evaluate supplier performance, or support operational needs.
- Limited travel to vendor facilities, trade events, or regional meetings may also be required based on business priorities.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods in an office environment.
- Ability to walk construction sites with uneven surfaces during field visits.
- Ability to lift and carry documents, samples, or materials up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to use hands and fingers for computer work, documentation, and communication tools.
- Ability to clearly communicate in person, by phone, and in written formats.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Competitive Compensation: We provide 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 a 401(k) retirement savings plan.
- Time Off: Our time-off benefits include 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, and short- and long-term disability coverage are included.
- An employee assistance program (EAP) is also available.
Exclusive Perks & Discounts
- Homeownership & Financing: Take advantage of exclusive home purchase and financing discounts.
- Pet Insurance: Enjoy discounted group pet insurance rates.