Purchasing Agent

Overview & Position Summary

This position supports residential construction operations by sourcing, bidding, negotiating, and contracting with trade partners and suppliers to support assigned communities. The role ensures competitive pricing, accurate scopes of work, and timely availability of materials and services to meet construction schedules and cost targets. Working cross-functionally with Construction, Estimating, Design, and Operations, this position contributes to budget accuracy, value engineering efforts, and consistent purchasing execution.

Primary Responsibilities

• Sources, evaluates, and maintains qualified trade partners and suppliers to support assigned divisions or communities.
• Prepares, issues, and manages bid packages, scopes of work, and takeoffs to ensure complete, accurate, and competitive pricing.
• Solicits, analyzes, and compares bids; negotiates pricing, terms, and contracts in alignment with company policies and budget targets.
• Collaborates closely with Construction, Estimating, Operations, and Product teams to align purchasing decisions with plans, specifications, schedules, and build cycles.
• Maintains purchasing data, contracts, scopes, and pricing within purchasing and ERP systems, ensuring consistency and accuracy across communities.
• Supports value engineering initiatives by analyzing costs, identifying alternatives, and recommending cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
• Monitors trade partner performance, availability, and compliance; assists in resolving pricing discrepancies, scope gaps, or performance concerns.
• Supports new community setup activities, including bid launches, contract awards, documentation setup, and community kickoff coordination.
• Researches market conditions, materials, and supplier trends to support competitive positioning and informed purchasing decisions.
• Affords assistance with process improvements, documentation standards, and best practices to improve purchasing efficiency and cost control.

Education & Experience

Required:

• 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.

• 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.
• Effective 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.

Compensation

Base Salary: $80,000 - $90,000
FLSA Status: Exempt
Bonus Type: Year-end Discretionary
Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes health, dental, vision insurance, HSA/FSA, 401(k), time off, life insurance, AD&D, short- and long-term disability coverage, EAP.