The RoleThe Senior Buyer leads procurement strategy and execution for major projects, critical commodities, and complex, long-lead equipment across CoVolt Power's utility-scale solar and BESS portfolio. Serving as a senior commercial and technical procurement resource, this role proactively manages significant cost, schedule, supplier, and contractual risk, looks beyond individual project objectives to leverage company scale, and mentors junior Buyers to strengthen procurement capability across the organization. This role is based in Houston on a hybrid schedule (3 days in office, 2 remote).
Key Responsibilities- Develop and execute project procurement strategies for major projects, critical commodities, and high-value/high-risk packages across the CoVolt portfolio.
- Lead complex bid packages and commercial negotiations, including pricing, delivery, schedule, and key terms and conditions.
- Manage long-lead equipment procurement, including review of technical specifications, equipment data sheets, vendor drawings, and fabrication requirements.
- Manage hedges, commodity and bulk-material sourcing, leveraging volume across projects to improve cost and supply certainty.
- Perform total-cost evaluations, drive cost reduction and lead value-engineering opportunities.
- Manage supplier performance and coordinate expediting and logistics to protect project schedules.
- Anticipate supply-chain, commercial, and schedule risks and develop mitigation plans before they affect project execution.
- Influence Engineering, Construction, Project Management, and Project Controls decisions through credible commercial analysis, statistical reasoning and sourcing recommendations.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of procurement processes and standards; making recommendations and leading initiatives.
- Mentor and develop junior Buyers by coaching them on sourcing strategy, negotiations, risk management, and by reviewing their work. Direct management and oversight as team needs evolve.
QualificationsRequired- 7+ years of progressive procurement experience supporting large-scale EPC, power, industrial, or construction projects.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex negotiations and long-lead equipment procurement.
- Deep knowledge of EPC procurement including schedule and performance implications.
- Strong understanding of commodities and bulk materials, logistics and expediting, contract terms, commercial risk, supplier markets, and total cost of ownership.
- Working proficiency with project schedules and ERP/procurement systems.
Preferred- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
- CPSM, CPP/CPPB, PMP, or similar professional certification.
Physical Requirements- Ability to travel to construction sites and field locations as needed.
- Ability to work in both office and construction environments.
- Ability to walk active job sites while adhering to safety requirements.
Works closely with: Procurement Director, Buyers, Contract Expeditor, Project Managers, Project Engineers, Engineering, Construction, Project Controls, Pre-Construction, and suppliers
Important Interview Policy: To ensure a focused conversation and protect the privacy of both our candidates and team members, the use of AI note-takers, recording devices, or real-time transcription software is strictly prohibited during this interview. If an unauthorized bot joins the meeting, our team will ask for it to be removed before beginning the interview. Thank you for your cooperation!
