Senior Buyer

Job Title: Senior Buyer
Duration: 1 Year (Contract)
Rate: ~$50/hour (Negotiable)
Location: Houston, TX (Onsite / Hybrid as required)
Work Schedule: Full‑Time (40 hours/week)

Role Overview
The Senior Buyer is responsible for leading material procurement activities for complex capital and operational projects. This role manages sourcing strategy, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and purchase orders for critical materials and equipment, while serving as the primary procurement interface to project teams, suppliers, and internal stakeholders. The position plays a key role in cost control, supplier performance, and schedule assurance across large‑scale infrastructure or energy projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end procurement management for assigned projects of varying complexity
• Develop, issue, and manage RFQs, RFPs, and RFIs in alignment with project requirements
• Prepare and analyze bid comparisons and commercial evaluations
• Coordinate supplier evaluations with engineering, project management, legal, and risk teams
• Act as single point of contact (SPOC) for purchase orders within assigned scope
• Manage supplier communications and ensure compliance with contractual terms and conditions
• Maintain accurate procurement and material data within ERP and tracking systems
• Review and understand Bills of Materials (BOMs) and technical specifications
• Lead and participate in cross‑functional sourcing and procurement teams
• Identify and execute cost‑saving opportunities, efficiencies, and process improvements
• Develop and present procurement recommendations to senior stakeholders and leadership
• Monitor supplier performance, market trends, and long‑term supply chain risks
• Support sourcing strategies for pipeline materials, valves, fittings, and engineered equipment

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of procurement or buyer experience, preferably within energy, industrial, or infrastructure environments
• Experience purchasing engineered equipment and materials (e.g., pipe, valves, fittings)
• Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management
• Ability to interpret technical specifications and procurement documentation
• Demonstrated experience leading supplier negotiations and evaluations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related discipline
• Experience supporting pipeline, facilities, or midstream construction projects
• Familiarity with ERP systems and procurement tracking tools
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across project teams and leadership
• Experience presenting procurement strategies and cost drivers to senior management

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Procurement & Sourcing
• Commercial Evaluation & Negotiation
• Supplier Performance Management
• Cost Analysis & Savings Initiatives
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
• Risk Identification & Issue Resolution
• Time Management & Prioritization
• Data Analysis & Market Research

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.