Senior Purchasing Specialist

About the role

KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) provides holistic, value‑added solutions across the entire asset life cycle, including licensed process technologies, advisory services, technical expertise, energy transition solutions, design capabilities, and smart solutions to optimize assets. KBR is seeking a Principal Purchasing Specialist to support large EPC projects by managing the procurement of goods and services under direct supervision. The role negotiates supplier terms, secures cost efficiencies, resolves delivery or quality issues, and coordinates closely with operations, maintenance, warehouse, and engineering teams to ensure timely and efficient material flow.

Responsibilities

• Execute and supervise cradle‑to‑grave purchasing activities (bid, evaluate, award cycle, agreement execution, changes, price and schedule negotiations) for a specific commodity group or project.
• Negotiate favorable terms, volume discounts, and long‑term contracts with suppliers for goods, services, and supplies.
• Drive cost‑reduction initiatives for a specific project or category.
• Understand, track, and forecast key cost drivers and market factors for the assigned category group.
• Assist in developing category‑specific sourcing strategies that support corporate and divisional objectives and align with engineering.
• Identify corrective actions and measures for quality or schedule issues with suppliers.
• Work closely with engineering and project management teams.
• Ensure timely reporting of problems to projects and senior procurement management.
• Locate, analyze, and develop a consolidated supplier base to meet current and future project needs.
• Create and maintain long‑term, mutually beneficial supplier partnerships to foster feedback and continuous improvement.
• Provide input to drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, procedures, and tools.
• Conduct orderly closeout of procurement operations, including settlement of claims, back‑charges, and resolution of punch‑list items.
• Participate in important negotiations and claim negotiations within the scope of procurement.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree, preferably in Supply Chain Management or Business.
• 6+ years of procurement and supply chain management experience with a global EPC company executing contracts in industries such as refining, LNG, petrochemical, or chemical.
• Experience in purchasing—including bid, evaluate, award cycle, agreement execution, changes, price and schedule negotiations—and commercial strategy (a plus).
• Proven track record in cost‑reduction programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Experience using e‑procurement tools (e‑bidding, e‑auctions).
• Ability to work in a complex, schedule‑driven environment.
• Strong analytical skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and ability to learn new software quickly.
• Experience in lump‑sum procurement environments.

Preferred qualifications

• Ability to speak Mandarin.
• Experience with international project locations.
• Knowledge of decarbonization, energy transition, and sustainability initiatives.

Benefits

• Competitive lifestyle benefits, potentially including 401(k) with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule.
• Opportunities for career advancement through professional training and development.