Job Title
Senior Buyer
Job Type
Full-time
Category
Procurement
Location
Knoxville - Knoxville, TN 37901 US (Primary)
Education
Associate Degree
Job Description
Reports ToProcurement Manager / Director of Procurement
Position SummaryThe Senior Buyer is responsible for the procurement of engineered equipment, materials, construction services, and subcontracted services required to support Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) projects. This position manages the full procurement lifecycle, from sourcing and solicitation through negotiation, purchase order award, contract administration, expediting, and supplier performance management.
The Senior Buyer serves as a key interface between engineering, project management, construction, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure materials and services are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with project specifications, quality requirements, and company policies.
Key ResponsibilitiesProcurement & Sourcing- Lead procurement activities for assigned EPC projects and strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Develop and execute procurement plans aligned with project schedules and budgets.
- Review material requisitions, technical specifications, scope of work documents, and commercial requirements.
- Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation (RFQs), Requests for Proposal (RFPs), and Invitations to Bid (ITBs).
- Evaluate supplier proposals for commercial compliance and competitiveness.
- Conduct supplier market research and identify qualified sources of supply.
- Manage competitive bidding processes and supplier selection activities.
Negotiation & Contracting- Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, warranties, and commercial terms and conditions.
- Prepare commercial bid evaluations and recommendation packages.
- Issue and administer purchase orders, service orders, and subcontract agreements.
- Ensure contractual compliance with project requirements and corporate procurement policies.
- Maximize cost savings while mitigating supply chain and contractual risks.
Project Procurement Execution- Coordinate closely with engineering, project controls, construction, and project management teams.
- Monitor procurement milestones and maintain procurement status reports.
- Manage long-lead equipment purchases and critical-path procurement activities.
- Resolve supplier performance, delivery, quality, and commercial issues.
- Support change management, claims resolution, and contract modifications.
Supplier Relationship Management- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.
- Conduct supplier performance evaluations and corrective action follow-up.
- Participate in supplier qualification, audits, and risk assessments.
- Support supplier diversity and continuous improvement initiatives.
Expediting & Logistics Support- Monitor supplier manufacturing and delivery schedules.
- Work with expediting, logistics, and receiving personnel to ensure on-time delivery.
- Identify and mitigate potential delivery risks or schedule impacts.
- Support transportation and international shipping activities when applicable.
Compliance & Governance- Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, client requirements, and applicable regulations.
- Maintain procurement files and documentation in accordance with audit requirements.
- Support internal and external audits as required.
- Promote ethical business practices and adherence to procurement standards.
Required QualificationsEducation- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Experience- Minimum 7-10 years of procurement experience.
- At least 5 years supporting Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC), industrial, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, or similar capital projects.
- Demonstrated experience procuring engineered equipment, bulk materials, construction services, and subcontracted services.
- Experience administering commercial contracts and purchase orders exceeding $1 million preferred.
Technical Knowledge- Understanding of EPC project execution and procurement workflows.
- Knowledge of contract terms and conditions, Incoterms, and commercial risk management.
- Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Deltek Costpoint, JD Edwards, or similar platforms.
- Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and Power BI.
Required Competencies- Strategic Sourcing
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Commercial and Contract Negotiation
- Cost Analysis and Cost Reduction
- Project Procurement Management
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation
- Schedule Management
- Analytical Problem Solving
- Communication and Presentation Skills
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Leadership and Mentoring
- Attention to Detail
Preferred Qualifications- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
- Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Experience supporting Department of Energy (DOE), federal, utility, nuclear, renewable energy, or heavy industrial projects a plus.
- Experience with international procurement and global supply chains.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)- Procurement cost savings achieved
- Purchase order cycle time
- Supplier on-time delivery performance
- Procurement schedule adherence
- Contract compliance rate
- Reduction in supply chain risk events
- Change order management effectiveness
- Supplier quality performance
- Project budget performance
Working Conditions- Position may be local client facility (construction site) and office-based with periodic travel to supplier facilities, fabrication shops, and project locations.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced project environment with multiple priorities and aggressive schedules.
- Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.
Career PathSenior Buyer Lead Buyer Procurement Manager Director of Procurement & Subcontracts Supply Chain DirectorThis position plays a critical role in ensuring successful project execution by securing the goods and services needed to deliver EPC projects safely, on time, and within budget.
