Procurement Specialist

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activities for substation projects including sourcing, bid solicitation, commercial evaluations, and purchase order issuance.
• Procure major electrical equipment and materials including: Power transformers Circuit breakers Disconnect switches Relay panels and protection systems Control houses Bus and conductor systems Steel structures Instrument transformers Cable and conduit SCADA and communication equipment
• Power transformers
• Circuit breakers
• Disconnect switches
• Relay panels and protection systems
• Control houses
• Bus and conductor systems
• Steel structures
• Instrument transformers
• Cable and conduit
• SCADA and communication equipment
• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with project schedules and budgets.
• Identify qualified vendors and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard suppliers locally and internationally.
• Lead commercial and contractual negotiations to secure optimal terms and conditions.
• Manage RFQ, RFI, and RFP processes and facilitate supplier selection committees.
• Conduct cost analysis and identify cost-saving and process optimization opportunities.
• Develop, negotiate, and manage framework agreements, contracts, and long-term supplier relationships.
• Define and implement procurement strategies across multiple sourcing categories.
• Assess and mitigate supply chain risks, including developing contingency plans and alternative sources for critical suppliers.
• Review vendor updates, confirm open POs, and plan daily purchases
• Compare vendor quotes and issue POs for best cost, quality, and delivery
• Track orders, lead times, and receipts
• Communicate as needed with suppliers to keep deliveries on schedule
• Work with engineering and production to verify part needs or substitutions
• Analyze usage and lead-time data to guide stocking and cost decisions
• Assist with inventory, shipping coverage, or material prep as needed.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, delivery schedules, warranties, and service agreements.
• Evaluate supplier performance related to cost, quality, lead times, and responsiveness.
• Manage supplier contracts, purchase orders, change orders, and claims resolution.
• Coordinate factory acceptance testing (FAT) schedules and supplier inspections as required.
• Support legal and risk management review of procurement agreements.
• Work closely with engineering, project management, and construction teams to ensure equipment specifications and procurement are clearly defined.
• Track long-lead equipment and proactively mitigate supply chain risks and schedule impacts.
• Coordinate logistics, expediting, and delivery schedules to project sites.
• Support project forecasting, budgeting, and cost control activities.
• Participate in project meetings and provide procurement status updates.
• Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain constraints impacting electrical equipment.
• Develop procurement schedules and maintain accurate tracking reports.
• Assist with inventory management and material planning for multiple concurrent projects.
• Implement procurement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, client requirements, and industry standards.
• Maintain procurement documentation including bids, contracts, submittals, and vendor records.
• Support quality requirements and coordinate with QA/QC teams on supplier compliance.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree (A.A.S.) or higher; 2–3 years in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain required
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of procurement or supply chain experience supporting substation, utility, transmission & distribution, renewable energy, or heavy industrial projects, preferred.
• Strong knowledge of high-voltage electrical equipment and utility industry procurement processes.
• Experience managing large equipment packages and long-lead material procurement.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and vendor management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications and electrical equipment documentation.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, procurement software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Proven experience in commercial negotiations and contract management.
• Experience working with international suppliers, preferred
• Logical, data-driven thinker who can balance cost, quantity, and timing
• Background test required
• Drug test may be required
• Experience working with electric utilities or utility projects, preferred
• Understanding of substation, overhead, and underground electrical distribution systems, preferred
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems; experience with Priority ERP, preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to derive business insights from data.
• Ability to work independently and lead complex cross-functional processes

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strategic thinking and a system-oriented mindset.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Experience supporting EPC contractors or utility clients, preferred.
• Knowledge of utility substation construction and commissioning processes, preferred.
• Familiarity with major OEMs and electrical equipment manufacturers.
• CPM, CPSM, or related procurement certification preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong negotiation and decision-making capabilities.
• High level of organization, attention to detail, and ability to perform under pressure.
• Proactive, accountable, and results-driven approach.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Candidates must be at least 21 years old due to insurance requirements.
• Must possess a satisfactory driving record.
• Procurement cost savings and cost reduction initiatives.
• On-time completion of projects and achievement of project milestones.
• Material availability and On-Time Delivery (OTD) performance.
• Supplier performance improvement and development.
• Compliance with approved budgets and business objectives.
• Must be able to hear, see, and respond effectively in safety-sensitive environments.
• Must be able to follow all safe working procedures and practices.
• Why Choose UtilliCo
• Expertise and Experience: With years of experience in the industry, we have honed our skills and built a solid reputation for delivering exceptional engineering and project management services.
• Client-Centric Approach: We prioritize our clients' goals and objectives, working closely with them to understand their unique needs and deliver tailored solutions that exceed expectations.
• Innovation and Creativity: We embrace innovation and leverage cutting-edge technologies to drive efficiency, optimize performance, and deliver sustainable solutions for our clients.
• Collaborative Partnerships: We believe in fostering strong and collaborative partnerships with our co-workers, clients, consultants, and stakeholders, ensuring seamless communication and project success.
• Commitment to Quality and Safety: We are committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and safety in all our projects, ensuring the well-being of our team, clients, and the communities we serve.