Buyer, Business

Buyer III

Experience Level: Senior (10–15 Years)

Function:
Procurement / Supply Chain / Purchasing

Industry: Utilities / Energy / Power Generation / Corporate Services

Client:
Southern Company

Contract:

1 Year

Location:

Birmingham, AL

The Buyer III is responsible for leading and executing procurement activities that support enterprise category management strategies and business partner requirements. This role oversees end-to-end procurement operations, including strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, supplier management, and purchase order execution, ensuring the cost-effective, timely, and compliant acquisition of goods and services.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in utility or industrial procurement, strong negotiation skills, ERP expertise, and the ability to collaborate across finance, engineering, legal, and supply chain teams.

• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with organizational goals, budgets, and operational needs
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, including market research, supplier evaluation, and competitive bidding
• Locate and qualify sources of supply for materials and services

• Issue requests for quotes (RFQs) and conduct bidder meetings
• Analyze bids, pricing, and material reorder parameters
• Create and manage purchase orders for services and materials
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers
• Draft and manage purchase contracts for material and service acquisitions

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve issues related to pricing, invoicing, specifications, or delivery
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve cost, quality, and service levels

• Ensure strict adherence to procurement procedures, documentation requirements, and audit controls
• Maintain compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
• Manage supplier contracts, renewals, modifications, and compliance with terms

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to manage inventory levels and prevent stockouts
• Support logistics, expediting, and material delivery activities
• Coordinate with traffic/logistics, engineering, finance, risk management, and legal teams

• Conduct cost analysis to identify cost-reduction opportunities
• Optimize procurement processes while maintaining or improving quality
• Provide procurement and cost-saving reports to management

• Mentor and support procurement staff as needed
• Promote sustainability and responsible sourcing practices
• Identify and implement process improvements and best practices

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Law, or a related field
• 10–15 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain roles
• Strong knowledge of purchasing and supply chain practices and standards
• Experience with inventory management, contracts, and procurement operations
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple transactions under time constraints
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy

• Professional certifications such as:
  • Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
  • Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)
  • Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM)
• Experience in utility, power generation, power delivery, gas, or corporate procurement
• Strong knowledge of IBM Maximo ERP or similar enterprise systems
• General knowledge of finance and accounting practices

• Proficiency in ERP systems and procurement tools
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and databases
• Experience analyzing procurement data and generating reports

• Corporate or hybrid office environment
• Frequent interaction with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven procurement operations