Buyer/ Purchasing Agent - Heavy Civil Construction

The Middlesex Corporation is a nationally recognized and award-winning leader in the heavy civil construction industry. Since 1972, the family business founded by Robert W. Pereira has developed an extensive client and project list through its consistent efforts to safely build America’s infrastructure. The Middlesex Corporation specializes in building and reconstructing highways, bridges, marine, rail, and transit facilities through its collaborative team approach and focus on core values. In addition, Middlesex Asphalt in Central Florida is one of the largest and most productive asphalt plants in the United States with Middlesex Paving earning an equally solid regional presence and reputation.

Buyer / Purchasing Agent (Heavy Civil Bridge Project)

Position Summary

The Buyer / Purchasing Agent supports the procurement and buyout of materials, equipment, subcontracts, and temporary facilities required for a major heavy civil bridge project in Norwalk, CT. This role partners closely with Project Management, Estimating, Field Leadership, and Accounts Payable to ensure materials and services are purchased accurately, competitively, and delivered in alignment with the project schedule. The Buyer will assist with vendor sourcing, proposal solicitation, bid tabulation, negotiations, and purchase order/subcontract execution while maintaining strong documentation and buyout tracking.

Responsibilities

• Comply with (and actively promote) all Safety policies and procedures, including reporting all accidents, incidents, and near-misses to ensure adherence to our #1 Core Value: Safety First, in everything we do.
• Maintain procurement status updates and support planning to ensure timely acquisition of materials and services aligned with project milestones.
• Review contract plans and specifications for contractual and technical accuracy before requesting pricing, bids, or proposals.
• Solicit quotes and proposals from vendors and subcontractors, support bid leveling, scope comparisons, and recommendations.
• Meet regularly with Project Management and Field Teams to coordinate purchasing priorities and ensure buyout activities support construction sequencing and schedule requirements.
• Coordinate the award and issuance of purchase orders and subcontracts with the Estimating and Project Management teams.
• Assist with negotiations for price, delivery, and credit terms while maintaining best-value decision making.
• Ensure purchase orders and subcontracts are drafted accurately, complete, and supported by proper documentation (scope, inclusions/exclusions, insurance, schedule requirements, etc.).
• Maintain buyout logs/summaries to track purchasing progress, commitments, lead times, and delivery schedules for major work packages.
• Evaluate vendors and subcontractors for performance, safety history, capacity, and financial stability.
• Build and maintain strong supplier and subcontractor relationships; broaden supply sources as needed.
• Serve as a liaison between Vendors/Subcontractors and internal teams (PMs, Field, Accounting/AP) to support invoicing, closeout documentation, and issue resolution.
• Help expedite and resolve procurement issues, including damaged materials, delivery delays, shortages, urgent orders, and vendor performance concerns.

Qualifications

• Construction experience required; heavy civil experience strongly preferred (bridge, marine, rail, DOT work). Field or estimating experience is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Business, Supply Chain, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings/specifications and coordinate scopes across multiple work packages.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and comfort working in procurement/project systems; experience with buyout tracking is a plus.
• Professional, service-oriented approach when working with vendors, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.

We offer our full-time and eligible part-time team members a comprehensive benefits package that’s among the best in our industry. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision plans covering eligible team members and dependents, employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, top-tier 401k with matching, tuition reimbursement, industry-leading referral program, and generous paid time off.