Purchasing Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the complete sourcing, bidding, negotiation, and purchasing process for utility-grade equipment and consumable materials.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and delivery performance.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities and support contract negotiations to achieve favorable commercial terms.
• Maintain and optimize inventory levels to balance material availability with inventory carrying costs and working capital objectives.
• Conduct inventory analysis to prevent stockouts while minimizing excess inventory.
• Oversee third-party logistics providers responsible for warehousing, receiving, inventory control, and material distribution.
• Maintain logistics performance and ensure compliance with established service-level agreements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance material tracking accuracy and warehouse efficiency.
• Coordinate material allocation, staging, and delivery to support project schedules and field operations.
• Resolve material shortages, delivery challenges, and logistics issues to minimize project disruptions.
• Manage financial and supply chain performance, identifying and implementing cost-saving and cost-avoidance opportunities.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for suppliers, logistics providers, and subcontractors.
• Ensure accountability, contract compliance, and continuous performance improvement across the supply chain.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive procurement and supply chain experience.
• Experience supporting utility infrastructure, electric distribution systems, heavy industrial operations, or engineered equipment procurement.
• Strong background in inventory planning, lead-time management, reorder point calculations, and safety stock optimization.
• Experience managing third-party logistics providers and coordinating with multiple contractors or subcontractors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and organizational abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of utility industry regulations and standards, including familiarity with FERC, NERC, and state utility commission requirements.
• Experience using IBM Maximo Asset Management or similar ERP/asset management systems.
• Professional certifications such as: Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).
• Experience supporting electric utility distribution, transmission, or grid modernization projects.

Additional Information

This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in supporting critical electric utility infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will help ensure the timely delivery of essential materials while driving supply chain efficiency, cost control, and operational excellence across a complex field construction environment.