Buyer - Manufacturing and Supply Chain Purchasing

Job Description Procurement Specialist
Columbia Energy & Environmental Services

About Columbia Energy
Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, headquartered in Richland, WA, is a well-established small business with a strong track record of delivering comprehensive solutions in engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, and other specialized services. With expertise in fixed-price design/build/test projects, we serve both federal and commercial clients, consistently delivering high-quality results through innovation and technical precision.

As part of our ongoing growth, we have recently expanded operations to Idaho Falls, ID, further broadening our capabilities. We take pride in maintaining a strong reputation for quality and integrity while ensuring compliance with rigorous industry standards.

As a growing small business with ambitious goals, we value initiative, teamwork, and a dedication to quality. This role offers the opportunity to work on impactful projects while advancing your career in a company that values precision, efficiency, and collaboration.

We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Procurement Specialist to support our project operations through effective purchasing, vendor negotiations, and material management. Reporting to the Fabrication Engineering Manager, this role is responsible for the end-to-end procurement lifecycle — from sourcing and vendor selection to purchase order execution and delivery verification — ensuring that all materials, equipment, and services are procured in alignment with project timelines, budgets, and technical specifications.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, demonstrates exceptional negotiation skills, and is comfortable working across multiple departments to anticipate needs, resolve challenges, and maintain consistent supply chain flow. This position requires balancing day-to-day purchasing responsibilities with strategic oversight of supplier performance, cost analysis, and market trends.
Procurement & Vendor Management
Procure equipment, engineered systems, and construction materials in accordance with established procurement plans.
Negotiate vendor terms, pricing, and delivery schedules to secure cost-effective and timely solutions.
Source, evaluate, and recommend new suppliers based on quality, reliability, and cost factors.
Prepare and issue purchase requisitions (PRs) and specifications for fabrication and material requests.
Monitor supplier performance, address nonconformance issues, and identify opportunities for improved service and pricing.
Stay informed of market trends, availability, and lead times for critical materials.
Ensure materials are available to meet contract schedules and avoid project delays.
Manage procurement reporting systems to validate and track project requirements from purchase through delivery.
Coordinate closely with Receiving to verify deliveries, resolve discrepancies, and confirm documentation accuracy.
Maintain organized procurement records in alignment with quality program requirements (NQA-1).
Support project evaluations, recommend process improvements, and implement approved changes.
Review requisitions for accuracy, proper account coding, and budget alignment.
Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and company policies, including material standards such as ASTM.
Support and document procurement activities in accordance with regulatory and quality assurance requirements.
Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze cost, lead time, and supplier performance to inform purchasing decisions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and electronic procurement software.
Ability to develop and maintain structured systems for procurement tracking, reporting, and documentation.
Experience with electronic procurement software.
Experience working under an NQA-1 quality program.
Knowledge of ASTM material standards, alloys, and raw material forms.
Strong working knowledge of supply chain processes in fabrication, manufacturing, or construction environments.

Comfortable adapting to evolving priorities and project requirements.

This role is primarily based in an office setting, with occasional visits to shops, project sites, vendor facilities, and industrial locations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.