Purchasing Specialist


Job Details

This is a dual Purchasing Specialist/Preconstruction Estimator role supporting the Company s estimating department in the self-perform space by executing the purchase of specified products and/or services from qualified subcontractor or vendors within established Company policies and practices.


Reports to: Manager of Estimating

FLSA Status: Salaried, Exempt


Purchasing-Specific Responsibilities:

  • Determine and make recommendations for the best evaluated solution for the Company with respect to cost, schedule, commercial arrangements and other similar elements.
  • Solicit and evaluate proposals for fabricated materials, mechanical equipment, and bulk commodities.
  • Receive, evaluate, level, and recommend the best responsive proposal based on bid documents.
  • Negotiate and issue Purchase Orders and Subcontracts.
  • Coordinate the turnover of Vendor management responsibility to Operations upon the issuance of the Purchase Order or Subcontract.
  • Develop key Vendor database for structural steel fabrication, piping fabrication, engineered equipment, and commodities (i.e., miscellaneous steel, pipe, valve, and fittings).
  • Develop strategic relationships with key OEMs, supply houses, and fabricators.

Estimating-Specific Responsibilities:

  • Identify, solicit, engage, evaluate proposals via a bid leveling comparison sheets, and recommend subcontractors and / or vendors for trades that Graycor does not self-perform (i.e., earthwork, structural concrete, electrical, insulation, coatings), support trades (i.e., scaffolding, NDE) and/or construction support equipment (i.e., operated cranes, equipment rentals) in support of self-perform estimates.
  • Negotiate and issue Purchase Orders and Subcontracts.
  • Coordinate the turnover of Vendor management responsibility to Operations upon the issuance of the Purchase Order or Subcontract.
  • Develop key Vendor database for subcontractors (as listed above) and construction equipment to support self-perform opportunities.
  • Develop strategic relationships with key OEMs, supply houses, and fabricators.


Position Requirements:

  • Bachelor level degree in engineering,supply chain management, or a related field required (or equivalent experience).
  • Minimum five years of construction purchasing experience.
  • Previous estimating experience required.
  • Ability to read and interpret structural and / or mechanical construction drawings.
  • Ability to analyze and align vendor proposal to meet RFP requirements with little to no support; contract negotiation skills required.
  • Proven experience of successfully soliciting and interpreting supplier proposal against construction drawings and specifications.
  • Working knowledge of MS Office Suite (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) required; previous experience using Procore, InEight, WinEST, On Screen Takeoff estimating software is a plus.
  • Any relevant licenses and certifications are a plus. Must possess excellent time management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, while planning and executing timely, effectively, efficiently and accurately.
  • Must have effective written and verbal communication/interpersonal skills.
  • Must be able to work in cross-functional teams as well as independently.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail required.
  • Position is based in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Willingness to travel as needed but not expected to exceed 10%.





 Graycor

 07/02/2024

 Oakbrook Terrace,IL