Category Specialist

Summary of Job :

The Category Buyer will be responsible for sourcing and purchasing materials and or services within a specific category, ensuring the best possible prices and The Category Buyer will be responsible for creating a sourcing strategy, negotiating terms of engagement, and purchasing materials and or services within a specific category, ensuring the best possible prices and quality.

This role requires a deep understanding of market trends, supplier capabilities, the ability to influence supplier behaviors, and effective negotiation skills.

The Category Buyer will work closely with various departments, including Project Management, Sales, Estimation, and Finance, to ensure that our procurement strategies align with company goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

Source and procure materials, equipment, and services for all divisions of our company and monitor inventory levels and adjust orders as needed.

Support Procurement team operations as needed.

• Initiate, review, and evaluate bid quotations or proposals, using cost and price analysis techniques and checking that predetermined criteria has been met.
• Negotiates and drafts contracts, pricing, and terms within budgetary limitations and scope of authority and implement, following applicable company and government regulations, with all suppliers and vendors.
• Determines short list of providers, presents list to requesting manager / department if necessary, and assists in selecting a provider.
• Conduct market research and identify opportunities for process improvements and cost savings.
• Follows up with requesting manager or department to ensure service levels are of the quality expected and conduct regular surveys of vendor performance.
• Manage relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and quality standards, and deliver results from internal investigations.
• Identifies, collaborates, and evaluates current and anticipated company service or material requirements, conferring with requesting department.
• Analyzes market and delivery conditions to determine present and future material or service availability, and prepares market analysis reports.
• Collaborate as needed on the delivery of goods or services.
• Prepare and present reports on purchasing activities and performance.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety guidelines and company policies as necessary.

Education and Experience :

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in procurement or a similar role within the MEP or construction industry.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience with procurement software and systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Knowledge of market trends and industry best practices.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Company Perks & Benefits :

Our mission at Lee Company is to create an environment where our employees can thrive, and we mean that. Wellness involves your relationships, finances, career, community, as well as physical health.

We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk. Check out what benefit programs we offer to help our team and family members THRIVE with us!

• We pay 100% of every employee’s long-term disability, life insurance, and fees associated with acquiring and maintaining a trade license
• We offer free trade training and license exam preparation through Lee Company University (LCU), our very own NCCER accredited trade school
• We have a company match program for 401(k) and health savings account contributions
• You earn paid time off and paid holidays for your personal well-being
• You earn rewards for your commitment to wellness and participation in initiatives through our rewards program
• We offer meaningful assistance programs like Chaplain services, an on-site / mobile clinic, and an emergency assistance fund
• We connect you to opportunities to make an impact through volunteering in our communities
• And other benefits such as health insurance, dental, vision, and short-term disability

Lee Company is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information or testing, or family and medical leave.