Sr. Purchasing Agent

Description

The Sr. Purchasing Agent is the senior buyer on the purchasing team, responsible for Corvant's most complex and highest-value purchases, including major HVAC and mechanical equipment, long-lead and engineered items, and subcontracted services. This role works with a high degree of independence, leads purchasing for large or mission-critical projects, and helps set the standards the rest of the team follows.

Beyond carrying a senior purchasing workload, the Purchasing Agent III negotiates vendor agreements, leads process and cost improvement efforts, mentors Purchasing Agents I and II, and serves as a backup to the Purchasing Manager.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Complex Purchasing

• Lead purchasing and buyout for large, complex, or mission-critical projects, including major equipment, engineered systems, and long-lead items

• Manage high-value purchases and subcontracted services from specification review through negotiation, award, and delivery

• Negotiate pricing, terms, warranties, and delivery commitments with manufacturers, distributors, and subcontractors

• Develop and manage project-specific procurement schedules aligned with submittal, fabrication, and installation milestones

• Evaluate specifications and submittals with project and engineering teams to confirm purchased equipment meets requirements

Vendor Agreements and Supplier Management

• Support the Purchasing Manager and Purchasing Director in negotiating and administering regional and national pricing agreements

• Own relationships with key suppliers and manufacturer representatives in assigned categories

• Lead supplier performance reviews and drive corrective action on quality, delivery, and pricing issues

• Identify and qualify new suppliers to strengthen supply continuity and competitive pricing

Risk, Expediting, and Escalation

• Monitor market conditions, lead times, and commodity pricing for critical categories and recommend buying strategies

• Develop contingency and expediting plans for single-source, long-lead, and high-risk materials

• Serve as the escalation point for complex vendor disputes, claims, and delivery failures

Cost Control and Process Improvement

• Lead cost savings and cost avoidance initiatives and report results to purchasing leadership

• Analyze spend, pricing, and vendor data to recommend sourcing and consolidation opportunities

• Develop, document, and improve purchasing procedures, controls, and ERP workflows

• Provide pricing, lead-time, and market insight to Estimating and Preconstruction for major bids

Leadership and Mentorship

• Mentor, train, and review the work of Purchasing Agents I and II

• Assign and balance workload across the team when directed by the Purchasing Manager

• Act as backup to the Purchasing Manager and represent Purchasing in project and leadership meetings as needed

 Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent; bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Construction Management, or a related field preferred

• 5+ years of progressive purchasing experience in HVAC, plumbing, mechanical, or construction, including experience buying major equipment and long-lead items

• Proven track record negotiating high-value purchases and vendor agreements

• Strong knowledge of mechanical and HVAC equipment, specifications, submittals, and construction procurement schedules

• Advanced proficiency with ERP or purchasing systems and Microsoft Excel, including spend and pricing analysis

• Demonstrated experience mentoring or leading other buyers

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills

Preferred

• Experience supporting mission critical, data center, healthcare, or other technical facility projects

• Experience purchasing subcontracted services and administering national or regional pricing agreements

• Professional certification such as CPSM, CPP, or CPIM

Corvant is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, fostering growth and opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.