Sr. Purchasing Agent

Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety At Kelso Industries, 3,500+ employees across 30 companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first. Recruiter Notice: We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates. We only accept direct applications. Senior Purchasing Agent Position Summary: The Senior Purchasing Agent is responsible for managing the procurement of materials, equipment, subcontracted services, and vendor relationships to support mechanical construction operations. This role plays a critical part in ensuring projects receive the right materials at the right time and at the most competitive cost while maintaining quality standards and supporting project profitability. The Senior Purchasing Agent works closely with Project Managers, Estimators, Operations Leadership, Fabrication, Vendors and field teams to coordinate purchasing activities for HVAC, plumbing, piping, fabrication, and industrial construction projects. The ideal candidate possesses strong procurement experience, excellent negotiation skills, and a thorough understanding of mechanical and plumbing materials and supply chain management. Key Responsibilities: Procurement & Purchasing ● Manage the procurement process for materials, equipment, tools, and subcontracted services required for mechanical construction projects. ● Solicit, review, and evaluate vendor and supplier quotations to ensure cost competitiveness and scope alignment. ● Issue purchase orders and maintain procurement documentation in accordance with company procedures. ● Coordinate purchasing activities to ensure materials and equipment are delivered on time to support project schedules. ● Identify and source alternative suppliers, products, and solutions to improve pricing, availability, and operational efficiency. ● Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain conditions affecting procurement activities. Vendor & Supplier Management ● Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and subcontractors. ● Negotiate pricing agreements, rebates, terms, and strategic purchasing partnerships. ● Evaluate supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost effectiveness. ● Resolve vendor disputes, delivery issues, and procurement-related challenges. ● Maintain an approved vendor database and support supplier qualification efforts. Project Support & Coordination ● Collaborate with Estimating during preconstruction to obtain budget pricing and supplier input. ● Work closely with Project Managers to understand project requirements, schedules, and procurement priorities. ● Coordinate with Fabrication Shops and field operations to ensure timely availability of materials and equipment.

• Assist with long-lead item identification and procurement planning.
• Support project turnover and procurement planning meetings.

Cost Control & Financial Management ● Support company profitability by obtaining competitive pricing and identifying cost-saving opportunities. ● Track purchasing commitments and assist with project cost reporting. ● Review invoices, purchase orders, and receiving documentation for accuracy. ● Ensure procurement activities align with project budgets and contractual requirements. ● Identify opportunities for standardization and strategic sourcing across the organization. Inventory & Logistics ● Assist in managing inventory levels for commonly used materials and shop supplies. ● Coordinate material deliveries, storage requirements, and logistics planning. ● Work with warehouse and fabrication teams to optimize material flow and inventory management. ● Monitor shortages, backorders, and supply chain disruptions and develop mitigation plans. Process Improvement & Compliance ● Support continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement efficiency and cost management.

• Maintain accurate purchasing records and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies, contractual

obligations, and ethical procurement practices. ● Participate in ERP, procurement software, and process improvement initiatives. Qualifications : ● 3+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience within mechanical contracting, construction, HVAC, plumbing, piping, or industrial environments. ● Strong knowledge of mechanical construction materials, equipment, and vendor networks. ● Proven experience negotiating pricing, contracts, and supplier agreements. ● Strong understanding of project-based procurement and construction operations.

• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship management abilities.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, purchasing software, Microsoft Excel,

and Microsoft Office Suite. Base Salary Range: $85,000–$120,000 Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO Pay Transparency Statement: The compensation range provided represents the Company’s good-faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, geographic location, internal equity, and other business considerations. Why Join Kelso Industries? Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors. Here you will experience: Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways. Company Culture: You’ll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable. Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day. Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You’ll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being. Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business