Purchasing Agent – Electrical Contracting

Position Summary:

The Purchasing Agent supports the successful execution of commercial and industrial electrical construction projects by managing all material procurement activities across the organization. This individual serves as a critical link between field operations, project management, estimating, and suppliers, ensuring materials are purchased strategically, delivered on time, and aligned with project budgets and schedules.

The Purchasing Agent provides detailed market insight and proactive cost intelligence to maximize buying power, mitigate supply-chain risk, and drive efficiency in company spending. This role plays a vital part in cost control, vendor accountability, and supporting project profitability across all phases of construction.

Key Responsibilities:

Material Procurement & Cost Management

• Manage all purchasing activities for electrical materials, equipment, tools, and consumables across commercial and industrial projects.
• Leverage market knowledge, pricing trends, and volume purchasing opportunities to maximize company buying power.
• Monitor commodity pricing, lead times, availability, and escalation risks; provide insight and recommendations to leadership and project teams.
• Support value-engineering efforts by identifying alternative materials, suppliers, or procurement strategies without compromising quality or performance.

Vendor & Supplier Coordination

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules.
• Hold vendors accountable for cost accuracy, on time delivery, and material quality.
• Assist in maintaining preferred vendor lists and supplier performance evaluations.

Project Support & Material Tracking

• Coordinate closely with Project Managers, Estimators, and Field Leadership to align material releases with project schedules and site logistics.
• Track material orders, deliveries, and backorders to ensure jobsite readiness and minimize downtime.
• Assist with early procurement planning for long-lead items, enabling work, and fast-track construction efforts.
• Maintain procurement logs and communicate material status to internal stakeholders.

Documentation & Compliance

• Prepare, issue, and manage purchase orders in accordance with company policies and project requirements.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, pricing histories, and vendor documentation.
• Support audits, forecasting, cost reporting, and internal controls related to procurement activities.
• Ensure compliance with contractual requirements, including cost-plus / EMP projects where applicable.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Construction Management, Business, or a related field (preferred).
• 3–5 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in commercial or industrial electrical construction.
• Experience with electrical materials, equipment, and supply-chain dynamics is strongly preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of electrical construction materials and procurement practices.
• Proven negotiation skills and ability to interpret market trends and pricing data.
• High level of organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and ERP / procurement systems.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents, specifications, and schedules.

Physical Requirements:

• Occasional visits to active job sites, including walking and wearing PPE as required.
• Office work involves extended periods using a computer.

Work Environment:

• Office-based role with routine interaction with project teams, suppliers, and field operations.
• Periodic travel to job sites, supplier locations, or project meetings as needed.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with performance-based growth opportunities
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Training and professional development support

EOE Statement: J.W. Didado Electric is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect to employment opportunities.

Job Type: Full-time

Application Question(s):

• Are you willing to undergo a background check, in accordance with local law/regulations?
• Are you comfortable commuting to this job's location?
• Are you comfortable working in an onsite setting?
• Are you willing to take a drug test, in accordance with local law/regulations?
• Do you have experience with electrical materials, equipment, and supply-chain dynamics?
• Are you willing to make occasional visits to active job sites?
• What is your annual salary requirement?

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Purchasing or Procurement: 3 years (Required)
• Microsoft Office: 3 years (Preferred)