Sr Buyer

Company Overview

CB&I delivers integrated storage and asset‑management solutions that help customers operate safely, reliably, and efficiently across the lifecycle of their facilities. Through two global business units – Storage Solutions, the world leader in tanks, terminals, and storage systems, and Asset Solutions, a leading provider of operations, management, wells and de‑commissioning services – the company combines technical excellence with execution capability to extend asset life, optimize performance, and maximize value.

Role Overview

The Sr. Buyer is responsible for identifying varied sources of commodities and services, evaluating bids, awarding contracts and purchase orders, maintaining contact with vendors, and maintaining comprehensive descriptions of available products and current prices of CB&I Storage Solutions' products and services. This role reports directly to the Manager, Supply Chain Management and routinely interacts with Engineering, Operations, and Estimating.

Responsibilities

• Proactively embraces and promotes the company's HSE requirements and culture.
• Prepares contract documents and bidders list; proactively seeks out and qualifies new potential bidders.
• Assembles and distributes requests for quotation from vendors.
• Responsible for purchase of material and services at or below estimate using procurement processes while maintaining consistency with schedule requirements.
• Performs bid evaluations and issues purchase orders for complex‑type packages or commodities.
• Negotiates complex or large‑dollar‑value purchase orders for regional and/or international purchases.
• Assists with the evaluation, award, and conforming process.
• Resolves large claim or dispute events with vendors.
• May be responsible for soliciting budgetary pricing for equipment, material, or labor to support estimating/proposal efforts for non‑major projects.
• Represents the department in meetings with other functions/management.
• Provides leadership training and guidance for junior staff.
• May function as lead buyer for a project.
• Proactively recommends, supports, and implements improvements to tools, systems, and software to improve efficiency and maximize autonomy.
• Effectively exemplifies the company's Leadership Competencies.
• Actively seeks and utilizes an effective mentoring relationship(s).
• Establishes medium‑ and long‑term career and personal development goals.
• Enthusiastically seeks and accepts tasks and projects in rotations that allow for maximum experience and growth.

Local Requirements

• Robust understanding of the full procurement life cycle—from pre‑contract efforts (bidding work) to buying, expediting, logistics, invoice review and troubleshooting, cost codes, DLOA, forecasting material costs and man‑hours, and assisting other functions with project close‑outs.
• Familiarity with processes and procedures for onboarding new suppliers (distributors and manufacturers) and understanding the differences.
• Ability to rapidly complete various required supply‑chain forms with limited to no oversight, including Change Management (e.g., AFA’s, Add‑Change Vendor), Commercial Bid Analysis, Project Summary Page, Credit Application, etc.
• General to expert knowledge of government‑funded projects and source restrictions (e.g., AISA, BABA).

Qualifications

• Typically 5–10 years of relevant work experience.
• EPC industry experience is preferred.
• BA or BS degree in Supply Chain, Business, Technical/Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (preferred).
• Knowledge of ERP systems; JDE‑E1 preferred.
• Intermediate‑level Excel and Access skills.

Skills and Behaviors

• Business presence and polish.
• Knowledge of CB&I products and markets.
• Proactively identifies and solves complex problems.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Mentally agile with ability to multitask and manage tight deadlines.
• Proven negotiating ability with high emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated business partnering skills with the ability to influence the organization.
• Adaptability and agility to learn and contribute in varying and complex environments.
• Mature business and technical acumen coupled with a drive to achieve results.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work and build credibility across the business, up to and including senior management level.
• Proactively embraces and promotes the company's values and culture, including diversity & inclusion and a healthy and safe work environment.

Organizational Structure and Location

• Organizational Level: N5+
• Reports to: Manager, Supply Chain
• Permanent work location: The Woodlands, TX (with some travel to the shop in Houston, TX)