Electrical Buyer/Planner

Job Title: Electrical Buyer/Planner

Location(s): Seguin

Company: Tomball Controls, LLC

Job Type: Regular, Exempt

About Us:

At Tomball Controls, we specialize in manufacturing custom fuel tanks, custom sound attenuated enclosures, and access platforms for emergency power generators.

We are proud to serve clients across various industries, providing them with high-quality power packaging solutions to meet their specific requirements. With years of experienced team members and a commitment to excellence, we have built a reputation for delivering reliable and durable products on time and within budget.

Job Description:

The Electrical Purchaser is responsible for sourcing and procuring the electrical components used in every generator enclosure we build. This includes switchgear, circuit protection, wire, conduit, and control hardware. This role plays a critical part in keeping production running smoothly by ensuring the right materials are available at the right time, quality, and cost.

We are seeking someone with strong electrical product knowledge who can confidently communicate with distributor representatives regarding lead times, product substitutions, and pricing. The ideal candidate has experience working within an electrical distributor, a commercial construction purchasing team, or a similar environment where electrical components are a core focus.

The Electrical Purchaser will work closely with Engineering, using Bills of Materials (BOMs) to drive procurement activity. As the role evolves, there will be opportunities to engage earlier in the project lifecycle to support planning and cost optimization efforts.

On a day-to-day basis, this role is responsible for managing vendor relationships, negotiating pricing, coordinating delivery schedules, and proactively resolving supply risks before they impact production.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement & Sourcing

• Procure electrical components and materials from approved vendors based on Engineering-generated Bills of Materials (BOMs) for each production order.
• Source competitive pricing from multiple vendors and distributors; negotiate unit costs, lead times, and delivery terms.
• Identify and qualify alternate suppliers and substitute components when primary sources are unavailable or lead times are excessive.
• Manage purchase orders from issuance through receipt, tracking status and proactively communicating delays to production and project management teams.
• Partner with the receiving team to ensure incoming materials are inspected, matched to purchase orders, and properly routed.

Vendor Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with electrical distributors, manufacturers, and representative agencies.
• Negotiate pricing agreements, volume discounts, and blanket purchase arrangements as appropriate.
• Evaluate vendor performance based on delivery accuracy, fill rate, and responsiveness; address and resolve performance issues.
• Expand the approved vendor list by identifying new sources that improve pricing, lead time, and product availability.

Inventory & Planning Support

• Collaborate with the Materials Manager to identify high-usage components suitable for stocking and maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Monitor backorders and material shortages, escalating and resolving issues before they impact production schedules or ship dates.
• Participate in project kickoff and production planning meetings to anticipate material needs and proactively secure long-lead items.

Systems & Documentation

• Process all purchasing activities in NetSuite, including purchase order (PO) creation, receipt confirmation, and invoice matching.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date vendor records, pricing history, and lead time data within the ERP system.
• Support Accounts Payable by resolving invoice discrepancies and ensuring all purchasing documentation is complete and accurate.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or inside sales within electrical distribution, commercial construction, or a related industry.
• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical products and components, including switchgear, circuit protection, wire and conduit, controls hardware, and related materials.
• Ability to read and interpret Bills of Materials (BOMs) and basic electrical documentation.
• Experience using an ERP or purchasing system to manage purchase orders and inventory transactions; NetSuite experience preferred.
• Strong negotiation skills and effective vendor communication abilities.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage a high volume of open orders across multiple concurrent projects.

Preferred

• Experience working for an electrical distributor in inside sales, counter sales, purchasing, or product management.
• Familiarity with commercial construction or industrial manufacturing supply chains.
• Experience supporting production or project-based environments where material availability directly impacts schedules.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based work, including extended periods of computer use for purchasing, communication, and ERP-related tasks.
• Occasional presence on the manufacturing floor to verify material receipt, inspect incoming goods, and coordinate with production teams.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled

Tomball Controls is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Tomball Controls is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law