Purchasing Agent

Company Overview

Upchurch is a rapidly growing, full-service building engineering company providing mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services across the southeastern United States. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Horn Lake, MS, Upchurch has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, establishing a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and service excellence. We offer end-to-end solutions—from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and emergency support—helping clients maximize building performance, energy efficiency, and equipment lifespan.

Position Overview

The Purchasing Agent supports the execution of established procurement strategies by coordinating project-level procurement activities across construction operations. This role works closely with project teams, vendors, and purchasing leadership to support consistent application of purchasing standards, vendor programs, and sourcing direction.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Support execution of established purchasing strategies by coordinating project buyouts and vendor engagement in alignment with budgets and schedules.
• Source, evaluate, and negotiate with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Maintain a qualified vendor and subcontractor network.
• Support procurement execution for major material packages and subcontracted scopes, including coordination of purchasing documentation as needed.
• Monitor supplier performance for cost, quality, delivery, and service.
• Support preferred vendor and national account programs.
• Ensure field teams leverage negotiated pricing and agreements.
• Coordinate vendor relationships across divisions to reduce fragmentation.
• Serve as a key liaison between Project Managers, field teams, vendors, and the Director of Purchasing on procurement-related questions and issues.

Cost Control & Budget Support

• Support Project Managers with buyout strategies and cost-saving opportunities.
• Track material pricing trends and market conditions.
• Identify value engineering, substitution, and cost reduction opportunities while maintaining project specifications and performance requirements.
• Collaborate with Project Managers during project buyout by coordinating major material and subcontract packages in alignment with established budgets and negotiated vendor agreements.
• Track and communicate realized savings and cost avoidance.

Project Support

• Coordinate with vendors and project teams on delivery planning for major material packages, escalating schedule risks as needed.
• Support resolution of material shortages, delays, or quality issues by coordinating with vendors, project teams, and purchasing leadership.
• Support verification that procured materials align with project specifications and purchasing requirements, in coordination with project teams.
• Operationalize material standardization initiatives where appropriate to improve pricing, availability, and execution consistency.

Contract & Risk Management

• Coordinate review of vendor and subcontractor terms and compliance requirements in partnership with legal and accounting teams.
• Ensure insurance, compliance documents, and certifications are current.
• Identify and communicate supply chain risks, supporting contingency planning in coordination with project teams and leadership.

Process Improvement & Reporting

• Assist in developing standardized purchasing workflows and best practices.
• Support visibility into purchasing activity, vendor performance, and cost trends through regular reporting and on-demand analysis as needed.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and reporting metrics.
• Support implementation and improvement of ERP and procurement tools.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Project buyouts are well-supported, with clear coordination, accurate information, and timely execution in alignment with established budgets and schedules.
• Strong vendor relationships that support pricing consistency and reliability.
• Clear, proactive communication with Project Managers and field teams.
• Measurable cost savings, cost avoidance, and fewer procurement-related issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field preferred; relevant construction purchasing experience will be strongly considered in lieu of a degree.
• 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience within a construction environment, including materials, equipment, and subcontracted services.
• Experience supporting multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced construction setting.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain effective vendor relationships.
• Strong understanding of construction materials, equipment, drawings, specifications, and project schedules.
• Financial and cost analysis skills, including buyout support and cost tracking.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and procurement tools (BuildOps experience a plus), as well as Microsoft Office.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across estimating, project management, field operations, and accounting teams.
• Experience with large commercial, industrial, or mechanical/electrical construction projects.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid time off and holiday pay.

• Opportunities for professional development and certification assistance.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Upchurch Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.