Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agent

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, the Purchaser is pivotal in ensuring the efficient and cost-effective procurement of materials and services for our Industrial construction projects.

This position is based in Edmonton, Alberta.

What You Will Be Working On

• Purchase materials/assets and services as directed and in accordance with policies and procedures, using cost-effective approaches for each transaction.
• Identify and select vendors to purchase requisitioned consumables, while meeting criteria such as specification, price, quantity, quality, safety, and delivery date. Clear understanding of "Best Value".
• Develop a general commodity knowledge (including general understanding of equipment and small-tool repair costs and processes) by working with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), using supplier resources, and varied acquisition assignments.
• Apply relevant purchasing/supply agreements to daily purchases.
• Create and issue appropriate purchase documents (e.g. major Purchase Orders, equipment rental/ lease agreements/ service agreement); administers these agreements throughout their term.
• Expedites and follows up on all aspects of the entire purchasing process with suppliers to schedule deliveries and resolve material discrepancies, outstanding or overdue deliveries, warranty claims, and return of material.
• Ensure that all purchases are conducted ethically and legally in accordance with district/company policies.
• Gain market and marketplace knowledge while building contacts for products and services.
• Develop and maintain constructive, cooperative, and customer focused working relationships with suppliers, internal and external customers, and projects.
• Coordinate with suppliers, relevant internal departments, and project customers.
• Identify, evaluate, and escalate potential risks that could affect project deliverables.
• Prepare Requests for Quotes and analyze quotations. Interpret basic information requests and recognize sources of information required to respond.
• Resolve conflicts between requestor and supplier for standard purchases.
• Price discovery to support estimating (supervised and specific commodities/ services).
• Support mobilization and job start activities.
• Communicate purchasing procedures to departments and projects.

What We Are Looking For

• Post-secondary diploma/degree in a related discipline an asset (e.g., business, supply chain management, logistics, warehouse distribution).
• 3-5 years of experience in supply chain/ procurement preferred.
• Basic construction knowledge; an awareness of specifications, methods, and procedures and construction materials is considered an asset.
• Adaptable and able to work effectively in a fast-paced and rapidly changing business environment.
• Strong verbal skills (expression and comprehension) and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills with an ability to deal with people sensitively, tactfully, and diplomatically.
• Strength in providing exceptional customer service while developing and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships.
• Exposure to applicable laws and regulations related to procurement activities.
• Understanding of supply chain process, project life cycle, procurement best practices, and risk.
• Application of critical thinking to problem solve, plan and organize various tasks, and demonstrate sound decision making, while being resourceful
• Strong computer literacy; experience using Microsoft Office software.

For Those Who Seek to Redefine

The greatest achievements in history are borne from the greatness within people – where human potential meets vision, and passion fuels evolution. Unlocking this potential is the most important thing we do at Bird.

As a leader in Canadian construction for over 100 years, the impact of our team is etched deeply within the core of our legacy. Beyond Bird, this impact is felt in the fundamental aspects of our everyday lives. From the critical infrastructure we depend on, to the energy and resources that keep us moving - we are powering our communities and shaping Canada’s skylines coast-to-coast-to-coast.

Entrenched in the foundation of a culture built more than a century ago is an enduring quest to reimagine what is possible. Our impact is greater than ever, and we are looking for those who seek to redefine their story.

What We Believe In

We Put Safety First

A healthy and safe work environment is non-negotiable. We build a culture of operational and psychological safety through engagement, learning and leadership.

We Lead With Honesty

We speak and act with integrity, clarity and care so people can trust our word and our work. Being honest means we can deliver the best outcomes and consistent results.

We Are Stronger Together

Success is a team effort. Our inclusive workplace enables our combined expertise, humility and creativity to unlock our greater potential.

We Are Driven To Do Great Work

We built our name on quality. We have a passion for excellence in our work and relationships that honours our businesses and our industry.

We Create Opportunity

Rooted in a solid foundation, we adapt and grow to face the future. We are committed to elevating each other to chart the best path forward in an evolving world.

At Bird, we value Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) and believe it is essential to our success. We will continue to listen, learn, and take action in our commitment to building progress in our organization, and the industry as a whole. Cultivating an environment where all employees feel included, seen, and have a sense of belonging is core to Bird’s culture.

We commit to proactively employing a workforce that reflects the communities in which we work, fostering an environment of continuous learning, and never compromising on our values.