Sr. Purchasing Agent

Position Summary

The Senior Purchasing Agent will engage our supplier community to ensure material, equipment, rental, and subcontractor products and services meet Southlands exacting standards for price, quality and delivery schedules.  Through valued working relationships, the Senior Purchasing agent will ensure material requests are actioned into quotes, and quotes are converted into purchase orders such that our shop and field staff are able to fabricate and manufacture Just in Time.  Partnering with other Southland Divisions, this role will ensure National Supply Agreements are supported and utilized for the betterment of our customers.  

Position Details

• Fulfill material requisitions from field staff, estimating or fabrication shops, procures and ensures product is ordered competitively and receipt of goods and services meet our project schedules 
• Works with staff and management to eliminate waste and streamline systems 
• Work closely with Accounts Payable and Project Management to quickly resolve problem invoices and remit for payment within an acceptable time frame 
• Coordinates and assists with project managers, job foreman, or fabrication managers in procuring goods and services, such as raw materials, equipment, tools, parts and supplies 
• Works with fabrication shop to coordinate bulk deliveries of rough products, to meet fabrication schedules  
• Prepares purchase orders - manages purchase orders and follows up on past-due purchase orders 
• Coordinates activities between purchasing, accounts payable and receivable to ensure process workflow for accounting to process payments 
• Assist in tracking of Key Performance Indicator (KPI) measurement and validation
• Ability to analyze and resolve difficult issues / conflicts
• Assists in compiling and preparing bid documents and bidders list, including inquiry preparations, request for bids and recommendations for award of contract 

Qualifications 

• 2-year Associate of Arts degree required, Bachelor of Arts/Science preferred, with purchasing experience of 5 or more years. Construction industry (HVAC / Plumbing) preferred 
• Strong knowledge of purchasing practices and systems.  Ability to effectively negotiate and procure items in a timely manner 
• Must possess excellent time management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously 
• Excellent customer service skills 
• Strong organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail 
• Strong product knowledge of pipe, valves, and fittings for Plumbing / Mechanical systems 
• Strong computer proficiency and technical aptitude with moderate to intermediate level ability to utilize Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, et al, and experience using ERP software (COINS preferred) 
• Ability to work in a continuous improvement environment 
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels; able to transfer knowledge to junior staff 

Benefits

As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

• 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
• Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
• Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
• Disability income protection insurance
• Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
• Paid parental leave
• Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
• Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
• Wellness benefits 

About Southland Industries

As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued, apply now to join our dynamic team.

To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities, follow us on social media, and check out our website.

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Contingent Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.

External Agency Announcement: Its Southland Industries' policy not to accept candidate submissions from recruiting agencies without an active and authorized work order. Candidate ownership can only be established after a bona fide work order is issued by a member of the Southland Industries Talent Acquisition team and the candidate is appropriately submitted through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).