Purchasing Manager — Public Works Construction
Location: Livermore, CA
Company: Frontline General Engineering Construction (Public Works General Contractor)
Employment Type: Full-Time
About Us
We are an established general construction company based in Livermore, California, with approximately $20 million in annual revenue, specializing in public works and government construction projects throughout the Bay Area.
We are looking for an experienced, highly organized, and hands-on Purchasing Manager to oversee our procurement operations and help ensure our projects receive the right materials, equipment, and services at the right price and on schedule.
Position Overview
The Purchasing Manager will be responsible for managing the company's purchasing and procurement activities from project award through completion. This position will work closely with our estimating, project management, field operations, accounting, and executive teams.
The ideal candidate understands the unique requirements of public works construction, is an excellent negotiator, has strong vendor relationships, and knows how to control costs without compromising quality or schedule.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage purchasing and procurement for multiple active construction projects.
- Review project plans, specifications, bid documents, and scopes to identify material and equipment requirements.
- Solicit and evaluate quotes from vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, lead times, delivery schedules, and purchasing agreements.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors.
- Ensure materials and equipment are purchased in accordance with project specifications and contract requirements.
- Track purchase orders, deliveries, backorders, and material lead times.
- Coordinate closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, Estimators, and Accounting.
- Identify potential material and procurement issues before they impact project schedules.
- Research alternative suppliers and materials when appropriate to improve pricing, availability, or delivery.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation.
- Assist with cost forecasting and project cost control.
- Monitor market conditions and material pricing trends.
- Help establish and maintain preferred vendor and supplier relationships.
- Ensure procurement practices comply with applicable public works, prevailing wage, contract, and government project requirements.
- Support the estimating team with vendor pricing and procurement information for upcoming bids.
- Continuously look for opportunities to reduce costs and improve purchasing processes.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of purchasing/procurement experience in commercial, civil, or public works construction in Northern California.
- Strong knowledge of construction materials, equipment, and suppliers.
- Experience purchasing for multiple projects simultaneously.
- Experience working with public works or government construction projects strongly preferred.
- Strong negotiating and communication skills.
- Ability to read and understand construction plans, specifications, and scopes of work.
- Excellent organizational and follow-through skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with project teams.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Experience with construction management or accounting software is a plus.
- A strong understanding of construction schedules, lead times, and project cost control.