Buyer (Technical)

Buyer/expeditor is responsible for supporting tenders for new work and awarded projects in managing procurement activities for minor equipment and “bulk” type materials packages in accordance with planned timelines. Sourcing, RFQ, bid clarification, commercial evaluations, and conforming commercial agreements in the tendering and project execution phase. Issue of conformed purchase order agreements and post-award commercial management and expediting of packaged equipment through to final delivery and commercial close-out. Supports the supply chain management team in achieving project cost and schedule targets.

Manages the overall procurement and delivery process for assigned minor equipment packages and “bulk” type procurement

Yates complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Our client relationships are the foundation of our success, and our primary goal is to help each of our clients achieve their vision. We do this by carefully managing the details and complexities of each project and constantly communicating with all team members.

• Negotiates and agrees (jointly with Supply Chain Management) any progress payments against key deliverables
• Preparation of bid lists when required
• Assistance to Yates finance and cost departments for invoices, troubleshooting and purchase order amendments in the Yates Supply Chain system Other duties as required by the Supply Chain Department Manager
• Advise fellow employees of hazardous situations
• Interfaces with the engineering department for the timely issue of scopes of work, make-to-order, and associated documents for assigned RFQ packages.
• Forecasts delivery status of orders and regular updates in the expediting module and other project expediting reports as necessary
• Arranges kick off meetings where required and verifies that the supplier is in full agreement with the scope of supply and all commercial agreements and is fully aware of the documentation (drawings, data progress reports procedures etc.) which are to be submitted for review, and that the supplier understands the submittal procedure
• Manages cost and schedule variations including project approvals and issue of purchase order and change orders as required
• Assists with administering the site safety program as required and ensuring Trade Partner compliance with OSHA standards and Yates Site Specific Requirements and all applicable safety codes and regulations
• Coordinates issue of and responses to bid clarifications
• Supporting ongoing projects by collaborating with the project manager and discipline leads to project status, identifying opportunities for improvement, delays, and areas requiring additional focus
• Ensures invoice compliance with assigned packages
• Updates expediting reports with key data from supplier progress reports
• Develops “special conditions of purchase” document reflecting all agreed qualifications to the project terms and conditions of purchase for each package for attachment to purchase order
• Provide suggestions to improve Safety
• Produces and manages purchase orders via the Yates supply chain system
• Training new personnel within a similar role and responsibilities scope
• Responsible for refusing unsafe work and for carrying out all work in accordance with the established Yates Safety Procedures and Work Practices
• Safety Responsibilities and Expectations Responsible for refusing unsafe work and for carrying out all work in accordance with the established Yates Safety Procedures and Work Practices Report all incidents, near hits and hazards to management Required to wear and maintain personal PPE Advise fellow employees of hazardous situations Comply with statutory requirements, including duty of care Participating in required and/or assigned training Provide suggestions to improve Safety Present a mature approach to working safely Attend prestart and Safety meetings and contribute Assists with administering the site safety program as required and ensuring Trade Partner compliance with OSHA standards and Yates Site Specific Requirements and all applicable safety codes and regulations
• Expedites the engineering, procurement or manufacture of the supplier’s equipment in accordance with the contractually accepted production and delivery schedule
• Monitors the project review and approval cycle for documents to ensure that manufacture is not delayed
• Develops and maintains commercial evaluation of bids for each package
• Recommend workaround plans to keep the project on track
• Issues purchase orders and applicable attachments via Yates system.
• Arranges and hosts bid clarification meetings when required
• Establishes an initial supplier representative to verify receipt of order and location of manufacturers, contact details, schedule, and status of any sub orders
• Compiles and issues RFQs to bidders via the Yates system
• Expedites supplier submitting DDSR documentation in accordance with agreed submittal dates
• Preparation of single-source justifications where required
• Interfaces with Engineering regarding the preparation and issue of technical bid evaluations, and “approved for purchase” scopes of work and associated technical documents
• Assistance in management of procurement and delivery for assigned intermediate level packages
• Manages interface with quality control department to ensure that suppliers’ manufacturing is inspected regularly and in accordance with any integrated tactical planning
• Report all incidents, near hits and hazards to management
• Liaises with project materials controller/logistics coordinator for issue of draft of the incremental risk charge documents and release notes as and when items are ready for shipment
• Follows-up on over, short or damaged reports utilizing OSD register
• Follow Yates Code of Conduct
• Reports any deviations from schedule to project management and Supply Chain Management
• The responsibility of the expediting function ends when all equipment is delivered (point of delivery) documentation is complete, all invoices paid, and the purchase order has been closed out
• Ensures any required bank guarantees are in place prior to approving invoices for payment
• Participating in required and/or assigned training
• Ensures use of existing providers for relevant goods and services
• Negotiates best available price /discount from selected bidder
• Expedites timely submission of required progress status reports.
• Manages and responds to qualifications to terms & conditions of purchase while elevating to Supply Chain Management where required
• Attend prestart and Safety meetings and contribute
• Arranges package progress meetings with suppliers
• Takes an active role in negotiations with suppliers

• Demonstrated experience with materials management systems
• Critical Thinking
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Present a mature approach to working safely
• Strong working knowledge of procurement management tools
• Demonstrated understanding of commercial terms and conditions and ability to negotiate same
• Experience with legal and regulatory requirements related to procurement
• Experience in expediting delivery of purchased equipment and associated supplier documentation
• Five (5+) years of purchasing experience in procuring process equipment and bulk materials
• Ability to manage multiple purchase orders and prioritize tasks under tight deadlines
• Basic knowledge and understanding of materials management systems and processes and practical experience of maintaining purchasing/expediting data in materials management systems.
• A qualification in supply chain or commercial management is preferred but significant project experience and some form of professional qualifications, e.g. a degree, diploma or certificate etc. in a related subject is acceptable
• Five (5) or more years in a similar role
• Skilled at negotiating
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel
• Proven experience as a buyer and expeditor or in a similar procurement role, preferably in a senior capacity
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, supply chain or a related field (preferred)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in contracts, pricing, and specifications
• Strong prioritization and organizational skills
• Required to wear and maintain personal PPE
• Excellent negotiation and analytical skills
• Documented experience of the procurement of major equipment packages for heavy industrial construction projects
• Well-rounded base of knowledge in construction disciplines
• Knowledge of relevant legal and compliance requirements related to procurement understanding of supply chain principles, including logistics and inventory management
• Problem Solving

• Exposure to EPC type lump sum and reimbursable projects