Assistant Procurement Manager

WSP•Syracuse, NY

About The Position

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Procurement Project Manager to support utility and power delivery project. This role will support capital programs and project execution within our Power & Energy team and is critical to ensuring the successful planning, sourcing, and delivery of materials, equipment, and services. The selected candidate will work in a fast-paced, projectized environment, partnering closely with Project Management, Engineering, Construction, Schedulers, and internal Procurement to meet client objectives and solve complex supply chain challenges. This Opportunity Provides assistance with managing the administrative, commercial, and technical components of assigned project(s) in accordance with WSP’s core values and the level of project services agreed upon in the contract by WSP and the client(s). Tasks include responsibility for the overall performance of the assigned project(s) including financial, technical, client satisfaction, quality, safety, and schedule. Ensures that responsibilities throughout the project lifecycle (proposal phase, project startup and planning, project execution, reporting, and project closeout) are adhered to, delivered, and audited with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable corporate standards for execution, profitability, quality, safety, and operational purpose. We are seeking candidates who thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing, and entrepreneurial environment, with a strong focus on client satisfaction and continuous improvement. Entrepreneurial Mindset: Motivated to help build, grow, and improve procurement capabilities. Self-Starter: Comfortable taking ownership, learning quickly, and driving results. Curious & Innovative: Continuously seeking better solutions to complex challenges. Highly Collaborative: Strong communicator who works effectively across disciplines and geographies. Problem Solver: Solution-oriented with the ability to navigate ambiguity. Proven or Emerging Leader: Capable of influencing stakeholders, fostering strong relationships, and supporting team development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or a related major, or equivalent experience in a technical or engineering firm.
Working towards project management certification (e.g., PMP, CAP-M).
5 to 7 years of relevant post education experience in a project management role within our industry.
Understanding of project delivery process within the A/E/C industry and defined background and experience in project management.
Competent analytical and organizational skills, with business acumen to bridge the business and project management.
Capable critical thinking and problem-solving skills to make assessments and calculations involving the application of project management principles, with a sound understanding of intent, impact, and optimal outcomes.
Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally.
Capable self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and adjusting readily to the changing prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
Works independently with minimal oversight and strict adherence to QA/QC.
Well-developed with technical writing, office automation, relevant software, MS Office suite products (e.g., Word, Excel, Visio, Project, SharePoint), technology, spreadsheets, and PM tools.
Effective at coordinating resources, consultants, suppliers, subcontractors, and others to complete tasks competently and efficiently.
Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
Periodic travel required to support customers and projects (up to 25%).

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Engineering.

Responsibilities

Procurement Execution & Strategy Oversee and execute procurement activities for equipment, materials, and services, including framework, competitively bid, sole-sourced, and delegated purchases.
Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with project scope, schedule, risk, and cost objectives.
Conduct competitive bidding processes, including development of sourcing strategies, bid packages, evaluation criteria, proposal analysis, and supplier selection.
Negotiate commercial terms and conditions for capital projects, services, and material purchases under general supervision.
Purchase low- to medium-value and risk goods and services in accordance with company and client requirements.
RFPs, Documentation & Compliance Prepare and issue RFPs (Requests for Proposals) in coordination with Project Managers, Engineering, Construction Managers, PMO, and Expediting.
Prepare purchase requisition templates and supporting procurement documentation required by company and client governance processes.
Assist Project Management with company-mandated procurement documents, including: Procurement justifications and approvals Sole-source documentation Technical and commercial evaluations Historical comparisons Change order processing
Ensure procurement activities comply with SOX requirements, the Uniform Commercial Code, contract law, and internal policies.
Project Integration & Schedule Management Coordinate with Project Schedulers to manage procurement milestones and ensure alignment with overall project schedules.
Track new and in-process procurements and provide date management for key procurement activities.
Verify availability of project funds related to current and future purchases.
Systems, Reporting & Document Control Coordinate with Document Control to ensure all procurement-related documentation is properly stored and maintained in project systems.
Meet and report on key performance metrics such as time to order, time to market, and cost savings.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by developing process-driven practices across the procurement lifecycle, from acquisition through disposal.
Stakeholder & Vendor Management Manage and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors/service providers.
Lead problem resolution sessions with customers and suppliers.
Develop, maintain, and manage vendor lists, sourcing strategies, and bilateral agreements.
Professional & Ethical Conduct Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct.
Adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and all health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.