Purchasing Agent jobs in Lowell, MA

SAFELY Building America’s Infrastructure Since 1972

Robert W. Pereira founded The Middlesex Corporation (TMC) in 1972. Through his vision, drive and commitment to Safety, Quality and Excellence, the organization, now encompassing various companies throughout the United States is a leader in the heavy civil construction and paving industries. This year, The Middlesex Corporation was ranked by ENR as the 222nd largest contractor in the country out of more than 35,000 construction companies and 50th of the Top 50 Domestic Heavy Civil Contractors. The Middlesex Corporation is headquartered in Littleton, Massachusetts with regional offices in West Haven, Connecticut and Orlando, Florida.
The sustained success is a result of the Leadership and Team Members living the core values of Safety first in everything we do, Quality in all we offer, Integrity in the way we act and do business, Professionalism in how we represent ourselves and the company, Strong Work Ethic that produces positive results, and Commitment to the Success of all Team Members and Stakeholders.

Our Goal is to sustain our exemplary Safety record while growing into a diversified “Top 100 ENR Company” and being recognized as “One of the Best Places to Work.”

Please see HR for information on physical demands and work environment of this job.

Team Member Competitive Benefits:

• 401k Savings Plan with 25% Company Match
• Health/Vision/Dental Insurance
• Life/Disability Insurance
• Paid Vacation/Holidays
• FSA
• Voluntary Benefits
• Health Care Advocate
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Training
• Team Member Referral Program

Please complete the employment application for consideration of employment with The Middlesex Corporation.

We are an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, or other legally protected status.

Position Summary

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for the overall sourcing & procurement of materials, equipment, subcontracts, and temporary facilities required for TMC construction projects and inventory. With support of the legal department and project leadership the Purchasing Manager will drive the negotiation of price, delivery, and credit terms.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain a close working relationship with all TMC projects to ensure the timely acquisition of materials and/or services.
• Evaluate all vendors and subcontractors for financial and performance ratings.
• Negotiate all purchases and subcontracts to achieve the lowest price while making sure that the sub or supplier can deliver the desired goods or services on time without sacrificing quality.
• Interview sales representatives to broaden TMC’s sources of supply.
• Compile and maintain the Company’s procurement procedures and policies, in consultation with all affected departments and/or work groups.
• Coordinate award of purchase orders and subcontracts with the Estimating and Project Management; and coordinate with Project Management to ensure prompt delivery of purchased items in accordance with the project schedule.
• Evaluate inventory reorder levels to determine the most economical purchasing of construction materials, supplies, and inventory in relation to the Company’s cost of capital. Prepare monthly reports and review status of purchasing commitments with the VP of Construction.
• Ensure that the purchasing process is simple, streamlined, and efficient.
• Review contract plans and specifications for contractual and technical accuracy prior to requesting proposals.
• Assure that purchase orders and subcontracts are properly documented and that they are complete. Expedite and track orders which are significantly overdue or urgently needed.
• Act as a liaison with vendors and/or subcontractors and the Accounts Payable Department. Investigate discrepancies in invoices, securing adjustments for material shortages, damaged material, or material of inferior quality.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, Business, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Eight (8) years of progressive experience in heavy civil construction involving procurement, project management or estimating preferred.
• Leadership and management experience where responsibilities include strategic direction and planning.
• Advanced construction knowledge with deep understanding of heavy civil construction plans, specifications, scopes, methods, and procedures.
• Familiarity with and the understanding of supply chain process, procurement best practices, and risk.
• Solid judgement along with decision making skills with a strong drive, time management, sense of urgency and prioritization of project requirements in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Understanding and application of applicable laws and regulations related to procurement activities.
• Ability and skill for negotiation and networking.
• Ability to use/create industry relationships to produce a competitive advantage with an ability to deal with people tactfully and diplomatically outside of and within the organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present to all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated conflict-resolution skills and professional judgement.
• Aptitude and desire for corporate social responsibility, integrity in business practices, and ethical decision making.
• Demonstrated leadership and the ability to think strategically.

Necessary Attributes:

• Must possess the ability to adapt to different personalities and management styles.
• Team player and with good interpersonal skill.
• Ability to manage a team in an efficient and effective manner.
• Self-starter with good verbal and written communication skills.
• Reliance on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• Dedicated and hard working.
• Strong leadership qualities.
• Above average organizational skills.

The Middlesex Corporation is an "Equal Opportunity Employer-Minorities, Females, Veterans and Disabled Persons"