PURCHASING AGENT

Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION/PURPOSE

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for managing purchasing day-to-day activities and establishing strategic purchasing processes and procedures. Maintain relationships with Trade Partners and participate in contract negotiations. Ensure flow of accurate information during the bid process to the trades, sales, and construction. Answer questions and resolve issues in relation to options, budgets, specifications, rebates, vendor purchase orders, spec changes and model frame walks, etc. Contacts trade partners for each activity code applicable to their market to ensure HistoryMaker can complete and close all homes in accordance with overall company goals. This role works with both leadership and the Purchasing team as a resource on cost saving strategies, national/regional supply, distribution agreements, and Quarterly and Annual business objective goals.

COMPANY GENERAL POLICY AND PROCEDURE

• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The competence of the employee in performing his or her job duties will be demonstrated, maintained, and improved on an ongoing basis. 
• The statements contained in this position description reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. 
• Each team member is expected to comply with policies in the employee handbook.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES (include the following, and other duties may be assigned)

• Ensure all community specifications are accurate and adhered to.
• Assist in cost and variance analysis to ensure budgets are updated and accurate at all times. 
• Source and evaluate new, potential contractors/vendors.
• Negotiate pricing and rebate agreements with major vendors/contractors.
• Manage contract price changes. 
• Periodically adjust labor rates as necessary.
• Analyze and understand Trade Partner performance, capacity, quality, and current workload in relation to business plan to ensure job completion requirements are met.
• Manage special projects including Trade Partner/product improvements and changes.
• Advise construction department regarding Trade Partner and product issues.
• Facilitate the setup of all new subdivisions by setting rates and Trade Partner selections.
• Distribute notifications on policy and material changes.
• Ensure accuracy of Scopes of Work with all Trade Partners.
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with Trade Partners, suppliers, and vendors.
• Attend industry events to maintain Trade Partner relationships and increase knowledge base.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or Construction Management preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in purchasing in the construction industry preferred.
• Self-directed, take initiative, proactively address problems, and work with minimal oversight.
• Analytical in providing and receiving feedback, analyzing information, and interpreting complex issues to determine the root problem and make effective decisions to bring the issue to a successful conclusion. 
• Highly organized and follows processes in sequential order while being flexible when appropriate.
• Proven ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines; often with frequent interruptions and changing circumstances in a high-volume fast-paced work environment.
• Advanced skills in Excel and Newstar or equivalent purchasing ERP systems, and proficient with Microsoft Office applications.  
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and other construction documents. 
• Relationship building.
• Persuasive skills in negotiating win-win outcomes while protecting costs/budgets.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 
• This position requires attendance at occasional meetings outside of the normal office hours.
• Collaborative Culture.
• Career Growth Opportunities.
• Business Culture founded in honesty and integrity.
• Strive for high impact outcomes driven by a culture built on respect, trust, and transparency
• Results driven by accountability, consistency, predictability, and efficiency.
• Focused, attention and listening to team members and customers with intent to have a positive culture that delivers high quality homes.