Buyer (Technical)

Yates Construction•Birmingham, AL

66d

About The Position

Buyer/expeditor is responsible for supporting tenders for new work and awarded projects in managing procurement activities for minor equipment and "bulk" type materials packages in accordance with planned timelines. Sourcing, RFQ, bid clarification, commercial evaluations, and conforming commercial agreements in the tendering and project execution phase. Issue of conformed purchase order agreements and post-award commercial management and expediting of packaged equipment through to final delivery and commercial close-out. Supports the supply chain management team in achieving project cost and schedule targets.

Requirements

Five (5+) years of purchasing experience in procuring process equipment and bulk materials
Excellent negotiation and analytical skills
Ability to manage multiple purchase orders and prioritize tasks under tight deadlines
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel
Strong working knowledge of procurement management tools
Well-rounded base of knowledge in construction disciplines
Skilled at negotiating
Demonstrated understanding of commercial terms and conditions and ability to negotiate same
Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in contracts, pricing, and specifications
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Strong prioritization and organizational skills
Adaptability
Communication
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Strategy
Collaboration

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, supply chain or a related field (preferred)
A qualification in supply chain or commercial management is preferred but significant project experience and some form of professional qualifications, e.g. a degree, diploma or certificate etc. in a related subject is acceptable
Five (5) or more years in a similar role
Proven experience as a buyer and expeditor or in a similar procurement role, preferably in a senior capacity
Experience with legal and regulatory requirements related to procurement
Knowledge of relevant legal and compliance requirements related to procurement understanding of supply chain principles, including logistics and inventory management
Exposure to EPC type lump sum and reimbursable projects
Documented experience of the procurement of major equipment packages for heavy industrial construction projects
Experience in expediting delivery of purchased equipment and associated supplier documentation
Basic knowledge and understanding of materials management systems and processes and practical experience of maintaining purchasing/expediting data in materials management systems.
Demonstrated experience with materials management systems

Responsibilities

Manages the overall procurement and delivery process for assigned minor equipment packages and "bulk" type procurement
Interfaces with the engineering department for the timely issue of scopes of work, make-to-order, and associated documents for assigned RFQ packages.
Pre-qualifying suppliers where required
Ensures use of existing providers for relevant goods and services
Preparation of single-source justifications where required
Preparation of bid lists when required
Compiles and issues RFQs to bidders via the Yates system
Coordinates issue of and responses to bid clarifications
Arranges and hosts bid clarification meetings when required
Takes an active role in negotiations with suppliers
Develops and maintains commercial evaluation of bids for each package
Negotiates best available price /discount from selected bidder
Negotiates and agrees (jointly with Supply Chain Management) any progress payments against key deliverables
Manages and responds to qualifications to terms & conditions of purchase while elevating to Supply Chain Management where required
Develops "special conditions of purchase" document reflecting all agreed qualifications to the project terms and conditions of purchase for each package for attachment to purchase order
Interfaces with Engineering regarding the preparation and issue of technical bid evaluations, and "approved for purchase" scopes of work and associated technical documents
Produces and manages purchase orders via the Yates supply chain system
Issues purchase orders and applicable attachments via Yates system.
Arranges kick off meetings where required and verifies that the supplier is in full agreement with the scope of supply and all commercial agreements and is fully aware of the documentation (drawings, data progress reports procedures etc.) which are to be submitted for review, and that the supplier understands the submittal procedure
Manages cost and schedule variations including project approvals and issue of purchase order and change orders as required
Establishes an initial supplier representative to verify receipt of order and location of manufacturers, contact details, schedule, and status of any sub orders
Ensures invoice compliance with assigned packages
Ensures any required bank guarantees are in place prior to approving invoices for payment
Expedites timely submission of required progress status reports.
Expedites supplier submitting DDSR documentation in accordance with agreed submittal dates
Updates expediting reports with key data from supplier progress reports
Monitors the project review and approval cycle for documents to ensure that manufacture is not delayed
Expedites the engineering, procurement or manufacture of the supplier's equipment in accordance with the contractually accepted production and delivery schedule
Arranges package progress meetings with suppliers
Manages interface with quality control department to ensure that suppliers' manufacturing is inspected regularly and in accordance with any integrated tactical planning
Reports any deviations from schedule to project management and Supply Chain Management
Forecasts delivery status of orders and regular updates in the expediting module and other project expediting reports as necessary
Liaises with project materials controller/logistics coordinator for issue of draft of the incremental risk charge documents and release notes as and when items are ready for shipment
Follows-up on over, short or damaged reports utilizing OSD register
The responsibility of the expediting function ends when all equipment is delivered (point of delivery) documentation is complete, all invoices paid, and the purchase order has been closed out
Training new personnel within a similar role and responsibilities scope
Assistance in management of procurement and delivery for assigned intermediate level packages
Assistance to Yates finance and cost departments for invoices, troubleshooting and purchase order amendments in the Yates Supply Chain system Other duties as required by the Supply Chain Department Manager
Supporting ongoing projects by collaborating with the project manager and discipline leads to project status, identifying opportunities for improvement, delays, and areas requiring additional focus
Recommend workaround plans to keep the project on track
Demonstrate Yates Core Values and Principles
Follow Yates Code of Conduct
Safety Responsibilities and Expectations
Responsible for refusing unsafe work and for carrying out all work in accordance with the established Yates Safety Procedures and Work Practices
Report all incidents, near hits and hazards to management
Required to wear and maintain personal PPE
Advise fellow employees of hazardous situations
Comply with statutory requirements, including duty of care
Participating in required and/or assigned training
Provide suggestions to improve Safety
Present a mature approach to working safely
Attend prestart and Safety meetings and contribute
Assists with administering the site safety program as required and ensuring Trade Partner compliance with OSHA standards and Yates Site Specific Requirements and all applicable safety codes and regulations
Other related duties as needed and assigned by the Manager in support of the successful completion of the project.