Purchasing Specialist Lead

Purchasing Specialist Lead

Job Description

Department: Supply Chain

Job Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Salary-Exempt

Reports To: Purchasing Manager

Location: The Woodlands, TX

Amount of Travel Required: Minimal

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Overtime as Needed

Positions Supervised: Purchasing Specialist(s)

AIP Level: 6

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead Purchasing Specialist is responsible for overseeing and coordinating procurement activities to ensure the timely, cost-effective acquisition of goods and services that support organizational objectives. This role serves as a subject matter expert within the purchasing function, providing guidance to purchasing team members, managing key supplier relationships, leading strategic sourcing initiatives, and driving continuous improvement efforts across procurement processes. The Lead Purchasing Specialist ensures compliance with company policies, contractual obligations, and industry standards while supporting operational efficiency and business continuity.

Essential Functions (The following duties and responsibilities are all essential job functions, as defined by the ADA, except for those that begin with the word "may.")

- Lead and coordinate daily purchasing activities to ensure timely procurement of materials, equipment, and services.

- Review and approve purchase requisitions and purchase orders in accordance with established authorization levels and company policies.

- Source, evaluate, and qualify suppliers based on quality, service, delivery performance, reliability, and cost competitiveness.

- Partner with operations, inventory, finance, and other internal stakeholders to forecast purchasing needs and maintain appropriate inventory levels.

- Monitor procurement activities to identify and resolve supply chain disruptions, shortages, or delivery delays.

- Provide guidance, training, and support to purchasing team members and serve as a resource for procurement-related issues.

- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers and vendors.

- Lead negotiations for pricing, contracts, terms, service agreements, and supplier performance expectations.

- Evaluate supplier performance through established metrics and implement corrective actions when necessary.

- Resolve complex vendor issues involving delivery schedules, product quality, invoicing discrepancies, and contractual compliance.

- Collaborate with suppliers to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve service levels.

- Identify and implement opportunities to streamline procurement processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.

- Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier consolidation efforts to maximize value.

- Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain conditions to mitigate risk and improve purchasing decisions.

- Participate in cross-functional projects related to operational improvements, inventory management, and supply chain optimization.

- Performs other related duties as assigned to assist with successful operations and business continuity.

Qualifications

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship.

- Must be at least 18 years of age or older.

- Successfully passes all applicable general pre-employment testing including but not limited to background check, pre-employment drug screening, pre-employment fit tests, pre-employment aptitude and/or competency assessment(s).

- Overtime may be required and in person, predictable attendance in The Woodlands, TX

- Valid U.S. Driver's License required. Most employment is contingent upon meeting company driving standards, including 3-year U.S. driving history and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) in accordance with Company policy.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE LEVEL

- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.

- Minimum of 5 years of purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience required.

- Minimum of 1-2 years of experience leading projects, coordinating purchasing activities, or mentoring team members preferred.

- Experience negotiating supplier contracts and pricing agreements.

- Proficiency with ERP systems, procurement software, and Microsoft Office applications.

- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), or similar certification preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, COMPETENCIES, AND ABILITIES

- Strong leadership, coaching, and team collaboration skills.

- Advanced negotiation and supplier relationship management abilities.

- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

- Strong verbal and written communication skills.

- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

- High level of attention to detail and accuracy.

- Strong organizational and project management skills.

- Proficiency in analyzing purchasing data, spend trends, and supplier performance metrics.

- Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements and implement cost-saving initiatives.

- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound business judgment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees are frequently required to walk, sit, climb, bend, reach, and squat or kneel. The employee works primarily indoors and will be sitting for prolonged periods at a desk while typing on a computer, whether in a home office, corporate office, client office, or jobsite. The employee must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities. When required to visit a wellsite, the work environment may include exposure to hazardous materials, operating conditions, audio levels up to 85 dB, inclement weather, and extreme temperatures (both hot and cold). Given these conditions, employees visiting a pad site are required to wear company-mandated and company-issued Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including Category 2 fire retardant coveralls or Category 2 shirt/jeans combination, safety hat, steel-toe boots, safety glasses, ear protection, and designated safety gloves according to role. Employees must strictly adhere to all safety policies, including the Companies' Life Saving Rules and procedures at all times. Employees must be able to independently lift 25 lbs.

Work hours may include early morning, late evenings, and weekends, depending on business necessity.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT

The Company is committed to the cause of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants, thus abiding by all applicable state and federal laws. Our practices regarding employment, job promotion, compensation, training, and termination do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, sex, national origin, veteran's status, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. It is expected that all employees, both management and staff, will fully support these nondiscriminatory policies.

The company has reviewed this job description to ensure essential functions and duties have been included. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities.

Last Revised 09/2026.