Buyer

Executive Summary & Role Purpose W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Company is seeking a results-driven Buyer to join our Yates Industrial Division in Birmingham, Alabama. The Buyer is responsible for managing end-to-end procurement and expediting activities for equipment packages, bulk materials, and specialized subcontracts supporting heavy industrial projects across the Pulp & Paper, Chemical Process, Industrial Power and Specialty Metals sectors. This role requires deep competency in procuring raw materials, structural steel, process piping, valves, and bulk consumables for self-perform direct-hire craft teams, as well as negotiating and managing commercial agreements for specialty subcontracts. Key Responsibilities & Principal Duties A. Bulk & Material Procurement Procure major bulk material packages (structural steel, carbon/stainless/alloy process piping, valves, fittings, civil consumables, and electrical/instrumentation bulks). Source and secure process equipment, specialty tools, and heavy construction equipment. Interface with Yates Engineering and Project Controls to align Material Take-Offs (MTOs), "make-to-order" specifications, and bill-of-materials with project schedule milestones. B. Subcontract Management & Commercial Agreements (20% Focus) Compile, issue, and evaluate RFQs for specialized subcontract packages (e.g., heavy rigging, refractory, specialized insulation, non-destructive testing/NDT, and heat treatment). Develop "Special Conditions of Purchase" and subcontracts that incorporate project-specific prime contract terms, flow-down clauses, and agreed qualifications. Negotiate best available pricing, commercial discounts, payment milestones, and progress payments aligned with key project deliverables. C. Sourcing & Commercial Evaluations Pre-qualify suppliers and specialty subcontractors, utilizing approved vendor lists while identifying single-source justifications when necessary. Issue RFQs and coordinate bid clarifications via the Yates Supply Chain system. Develop comprehensive Commercial Bid Evaluations (CBEs) and partner with Engineering on Technical Bid Evaluations (TBEs) to support "Approved for Purchase" scopes. Host bid clarification meetings and negotiate terms and conditions, elevating risk qualifications to Supply Chain Management as required. D. Expediting, Quality & Materials Control Conduct supplier kick-off meetings to confirm scope of supply, drawing/data submittal procedures, and production schedules. Expedite supplier submission of DDSR (Document Delivery Schedule & Requirements) documentation, drawings, and progress status reports to avoid manufacturing or jobsite delays. Coordinate with Quality Control (QC) to ensure regular shop inspections and compliance with tactical quality plans. Liaise with the site Materials Controller on shipping release notes, delivery schedules, and Over, Short, & Damaged (OSD) registers. E. Financial Administration & Purchase Order Closeout Issue and manage Purchase Orders (POs) and change orders through the Yates Supply Chain system, managing cost and schedule variations. Ensure invoice compliance against PO milestones, bank guarantees, and delivery verification prior to approving payments. Manage the procurement lifecycle through point of delivery, documentation completion, invoice reconciliation, and commercial PO closeout. Required Qualifications & Competencies Education & Experience Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Construction Management, Business, or Engineering preferred (or equivalent combination of formal education and heavy industrial procurement experience). 5+ years of direct purchasing and expediting experience in heavy industrial construction, process equipment, and bulk material. Demonstrated experience in heavy industrial sectors: Pulp & Paper, Chemical Processing, Power, or Specialty Metals . Proven understanding of direct-hire self-perform material logistics and subcontractor management models. Technical Skills & Systems Compe…

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