Director of Purchasing

The Poole and Kent Corporation•Baltimore, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Director of Purchasing to lead our procurement function across a large-scale, multi-project mechanical contracting operation. This role is critical to ensuring cost efficiency, supply chain reliability, and material availability while directly contributing to project margins and overall company profitability. The ideal candidate brings deep construction procurement expertise, strong vendor relationships, and a proven ability to drive measurable cost savings in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Supply Chain Management or a related field (required).
10+ years of procurement or supply chain experience, with construction or mechanical contracting required
5+ years of leadership experience managing teams and large-scale spend
Proven track record of delivering cost savings and supplier negotiations at scale
Strong understanding of project-based procurement environments
Excellent financial, analytical, and negotiation skills
Experience with ERP/procurement systems
Deep knowledge of mechanical systems (HVAC, piping, plumbing).
Strong understanding of construction documents, codes, and industry standards.
Strong familiarity with construction contract structures, risk allocation, and industry standards.
Excellent negotiation, mathematical, and analytical skills.
Must demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, (i.e. Outlook, Word and Excel). Advanced end-user of Excel.
Must demonstrate integrity, honesty, professionalism, and appropriate concern regarding dissemination of sensitive and confidential information.
Must demonstrate the ability to work well in a team oriented work environment and flexibility to take on added responsibilities when department demands present with additional work load.
Must demonstrate professional self discipline and initiative in performing work, attention to detail and committed to performing work within specified deadlines.
Must prioritize and organize work in a fast paced multi-tasking environment.
Must build positive working relationships with multiple levels of employees, management, suppliers, and customers.
Must demonstrate commitment to company values and safety culture.
Must have the demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in English, cooperate, and collaborate with multiple levels of customer, employees, unions, government agencies, vendors and suppliers, and other contractor organizations.

Nice To Haves

Strategic thinking and decision-making
Strong leadership and team development skills
Excellent communication and presentation abilities
Negotiation and relationship management
Financial acumen and analytical skills
Problem-solving and attention to detail
Prior in house experience with a general contractor, construction manager, or large specialty contractor.
Working knowledge of purchasing software a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute enterprise-wide procurement strategies aligned with company growth goals
Lead sourcing initiatives across key material categories (HVAC, piping, plumbing, equipment)
Negotiate high-value vendor agreements, and rebate programs
Drive material cost savings and protect project margins
Partner with estimating and operations to align pricing strategies and project budgets
Monitor commodity trends (steel, copper, etc.) and mitigate pricing risk
Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and distributors
Evaluate vendor performance, pricing, and reliability
Ensure supply continuity and proactively address shortages or delays
Collaborate with project managers to ensure timely procurement and delivery
Support large-scale and complex project purchasing requirements
Resolve procurement challenges impacting schedules or costs
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing procurement team
Establish KPIs and accountability across purchasing and materials management
Drive a culture of performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Improve procurement workflows, reporting, and analytics
Optimize ERP and purchasing systems (Viewpoint)