Buyer Purchasing Agent

Job Description

Job Description

Role Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and strategic Buyer / Purchasing Agent to join our custom millwork team. In this role, you will bridge the gap between engineering and production by reviewing architectural drawings, millwork shop drawings, and bill of materials (BOMs) handed off by our engineering team. Your core objective is to procure high-quality materials, specialty hardware, architectural metals, wood species, and finishes—ensuring everything arrives on schedule, within budget, and at the best possible value .

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Sourcing

• Review engineering shop drawings, take-offs, and BOMs to determine exact material specifications and required quantities.
• Source and procure sheet goods (MDF, plywood, veneers), solid hardwoods, laminates, specialty hardware (hinges, slides, commercial locks), edgebanding, adhesives, and finishing supplies.
• Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers and vendors to secure optimal pricing, credit terms, and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate with specialty sub-contractors or fabricators for out-of-house processes (e.g., custom metalwork, stone countertops, glass, specialized upholstery).

Cost Control & Budgeting

• Compare quotes across multiple vendors to guarantee the best total cost without sacrificing quality or project specifications.
• Monitor project material budgets against estimated targets and proactively flag potential cost overruns.
• Track market price fluctuations for raw materials (lumber, sheet goods, metals) to optimize purchase timing.

Inventory & Logistics Management

• Coordinate material delivery timelines with production managers and shop supervisors to prevent production bottlenecks.
• Track purchase orders from placement through delivery, resolving delays, backorders, or damaged shipments immediately.
• Inspect incoming deliveries against purchase orders for quantity, quality, and specification accuracy.
• Oversee shop inventory levels for hardware, shop consumables, and standard sheet goods to maintain lean safety stock.

Qualifications & Skills

Required

• Experience: 3+ years of purchasing or procurement experience specifically in custom millwork, architectural woodwork, commercial cabinetry, or high-end interior construction.
• Blueprint Reading: Strong ability to read architectural drawings, shop drawings, cut lists, and engineering BOMs.
• Material Knowledge: In-depth familiarity with commercial/residential millwork materials (wood grades, veneers, plastic laminates, solid surfaces, Blum/Hafele hardware, AWI/AWMAC standards).
• Software Proficiency: Familiarity with ERP/MRP procurement systems, Microsoft Excel, and shop management software (e.g., Microvellum, Cabinet Vision, AutoCAD, or similar platforms).
• Negotiation & Communication: Excellent vendor negotiation skills and strong written/verbal communication.

Preferred

• Background in custom wood fabrication, cabinet making, or millwork engineering.
• Established relationships with regional lumber yards, hardware distributors, and architectural material suppliers.
• Degree/Certificate in Supply Chain Management, Construction Management, or equivalent hands-on industry experience.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. On-Time Delivery Rate: Materials arrive at the shop prior to scheduled production start dates.
2. Budget Variance: Keeping actual material costs at or below estimated project material budgets.
3. Vendor Quality & Reliability: Maintaining low return rates due to defective, damaged, or incorrect material shipments.