Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agent

Ashton Woods is more than just a home builder. From the sale of our first home in 1989 to recently being named Builder of the Year by Builder Magazine, our focus has always been on blazing new trails and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in homebuilding. Ashton Woods, the #1 private home builder in the United States, markets its homes through its two award-winning brands, Ashton Woods and Starlight Homes. The Ashton Woods brand is known for designing thoughtfully curated, inspired homes for people who love design. The Starlight Homes brand builds homes specifically for first-time homebuyers, offering affordable homes with well-executed designs and quality finishes for buyers looking to make the dream of home ownership a reality. The company's commitment to innovation and continually evolving to meet the needs of the market is a key reason we are one of the most celebrated home builders in the nation, winning hundreds of national and local industry awards in product and community design, architecture, merchandising, sales, marketing, and customer service. We believe that what we accomplish together is greater than what we deliver individually. Our team members have inspired the shared values we embrace in all decisions and actions: Unwavering Integrity, Trail Blazing, Bold Action, Collective Compassion, and Unconditional Respect.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Ashton Woods sells new homes in Atlanta, Austin, Charleston, Dallas, Houston, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, Raleigh, San Antonio, and Tampa.

Position Overview

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for determining direct cost and option cost for homes from development through construction phases, including standard upgrade options.

Responsibilities

(Including, but not limited to):

• Create and revise, as needed, the Trade Partner Scope of Work, reports, and redline worksheets for new projects/products and plans.
• Plan and execute project specific or annual bidding process with auditing compliance, per cost type.
• Develop subdivision bid comparison spreadsheets and bid books, per project.
• Contract price entry into system.
• Maintain PO accuracy.
• Assemble and maintain standardized bid documents and Exhibit C price schedule.
• Facilitate new Trade Partner orientation and Trade Partner Performance Reviews.
• Confirm accuracy on turnkey bids by performing unit pricing takeoffs and comparisons, per responsible cost type.
• Coordinate w/engineers to incorporate value engineering concepts into the design and construction of homes.
• Attend project manager meetings as needed to answer questions about takeoffs or engineering issues, prevent misuse of materials and eliminate variances.
• Assist Vice President of Purchasing in review of budgets for monthly pricing adjustments.
• Review and correct takeoffs required by Problem Area Reports (PAR), field contact, frame walks, and variance purchase orders as they relate to bids and estimates.
• Utilize Dynamic Builder (DB) standards and processes as it relates to takeoffs, job costing, and layers.
• Responsible for escalated invoices relating to estimating errors and budget changes.
• Responsible for escalated problems with purchase orders.
• Maintain invite-to-bid, bid awards, preferred and potential trade partner documents.
• Field questions from construction staff regarding change orders, purchase orders, plan errors and clarifications.
• After the Manager's review, enter lot condition budgets (MLOT) for new projects within assigned period of time as defined by manager, including MLOT budget adjustments submitted by builders. Reconcile MLOT invoices as needed.
• Walk houses under construction and look for cost savings and material usage opportunities.
• Continually challenge and validate existing take offs to ensure variance objectives are met.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Purchasing, Construction, Engineering or related field preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in purchasing.
• At least 2 years of direct experience in home building with an emphasis on option management.
• Experience with Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and ability to learn new programs as needed.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledgeable about the construction industry, including construction costs, building codes, materials, products, methods and procedures.
• Ability to read blueprints, construction drawings and addendums.
• Creation of reports and presentations and database maintenance.
• Ability to review, analyze and interpret information as well as trouble-shoot to solve problems.
• Knowledge of business English and ability to communicate patiently and professionally with both internal and external customers both orally and in writing.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize several tasks without compromising quality of work or mission deadlines.
• Ability to adapt in a changing workplace.
• Proven organization skills in a high-paced work environment.
• Skilled at complex negotiations.

Typical Physical and Mental Demands:

• Must be able to read, write, and speak fluently in English.
• Employees in the position are required to be able to hear and have sufficient vision to utilize all office equipment.
• Use of hands and fingers is required to utilize standard office equipment.
• Requires occasional lifting up to 20 pounds.

These physical requirements are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions if requested.

Working Conditions:

• Work is generally performed in a typical office environment using standard office equipment. Work is typically sedentary in nature, but some walking and standing may be required. Fast paced environment subject to numerous schedules and priority changes and short notice activity.