Sr. Purchasing Agent

Job Description

Job Description

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.

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