What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Manager position at SVM?
Are you passionate about leading purchasing operations that keep commercial projects moving forward? Do you enjoy partnering with project teams, negotiating with suppliers, and developing processes that improve efficiency across an organization?
As a Purchasing Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead SVM's Purchasing Department by overseeing the procurement of materials, equipment, and other purchasing services that support our commercial mechanical construction operations. The Purchasing Manager will play a crucial role in ensuring purchasing activities align with project schedules, budgets, and operational priorities while leading a high-performing team, strengthening supplier relationships, driving continuous process improvements, and ensuring our purchasing obligations are fulfilled efficiently to minimize project delays and maximize operational success.
What You Will Do
Leadership & Department Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop Purchasing Department personnel while fostering a collaborative, accountable, and customer-focused team environment.
- Establish department goals, performance expectations, and competency development plans while identifying training opportunities that enhance purchasing knowledge, negotiation skills, and product expertise.
- Implement, communicate, and reinforce purchasing policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure consistency and operational excellence across the department.
Procurement & Vendor Management
- Oversee the procurement of materials, equipment, and other project-related purchases to support commercial mechanical construction projects.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, while negotiating pricing, lead times, and commercial terms that support project and business objectives.
- Monitor supplier performance, issue and maintain supplier and subcontract agreements, resolve escalated procurement issues, and ensure vendors meet contractual obligations and delivery commitments.
Operational & Project Support
- Partner with Project Management, Operations, Accounting, Shipping & Receiving, and other internal departments to ensure purchasing activities align with project schedules, budgets, and operational priorities.
- Support estimating efforts by assisting with equipment pricing, material quotations, and procurement strategies during the proposal process.
- Collaborate with Purchasing teams across SVM locations to coordinate material availability, support intercompany transfers, share purchasing resources, and promote standardized procurement practices across the organization.
- Perform purchasing audits, review and resolve invoice discrepancies, maintain procurement documentation, and identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes and operational efficiency.
- Support the Purchasing department with other tasks and projects as business requires.
Education, Skills & Experience
- Minimum five (5) years of purchasing experience within commercial construction, mechanical contracting, HVAC, plumbing, or a related industry required.
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience managing purchasing personnel or equivalent experience required.
- Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and improving purchasing processes, procedures, and workflows highly preferred.
- Experience negotiating pricing, contracts, and commercial terms with manufacturers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, required.
- Experience with Viewpoint Vista or similar construction accounting/ERP software a plus.
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
- Strong leadership, communication, organizational, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Compensation & Company Benefits Include
This is a full-time exempt position based out of SVM’s San Jose office. The compensation for this role is $145,000 - $190,000 annually and is based on experience and skillset.
Health: Medical / Dental / Vision / Life & Disability Insurance / FSA
Well-Being: Robust Maternity & Paternity Leave / EAP / Paid Holidays / PTO / Sick Leave / Interactive Breakroom
Financial Wellness: 401k w/ Employer Contribution / Employee Referral Bonus / “Positive Pulse”
Community Investment: Volunteer Opportunities / Team Building Activities / Employee Activities
Physical Requirements
As a Purchasing Manager in the Mechanical Contracting Industry, there are certain physical requirements you should be aware of. These requirements ensure that you are capable of performing the necessary tasks safely and effectively. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified applicants who may not be able to fulfil certain aspects of the role. The key physical requirements for this role are outlined below:
- This role may involve working at a desk, computer, or standing for prolonged periods of time.
- This role may be required to handle physical paperwork, files, office supplies, and using office equipment like a computer, mouse, keyboard, and calculators.
- While the role is predominantly desk-based, there might be instances where standing or moving around the office is required.
- This role does not typically involve heavy lifting, however lighting lightweight items such as files or other office supplies up to 50lbs might be required.
Who We Are
At SVM, we are more than just a leading mechanical contractor specializing in design-build commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, service/maintenance, and 24-hour emergency services. We’re a team dedicated to supporting the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Nevada regions with trusted expertise and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional experiences at every level.
Our success is built on a collaborative culture that values teamwork, innovation, and doing the right thing. We take pride in fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where every team member feels supported, valued, and empowered to grow. At SVM, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we prioritize their development, well-being, and success.
Our state-of-the-art fabrication facility reflects our dedication to quality and efficiency. By leveraging cutting-edge 3D design and manufacturing technology, we detail and fabricate ductwork, piping, and pre-skidded equipment to execute projects with precision and excellence.
At SVM, we don’t just focus on work—we focus on balance. We encourage a life-work approach that allows our team to thrive both personally and professionally. We are committed to helping our team members grow, stay curious, and work collaboratively to tackle any challenge. With the support of peers, managers, and executive leadership, our team is equipped to succeed and build meaningful careers.
Salary : $145,000 - $190,000