Purchasing Manager

Job Description

Purchasing Manager

• Charlotte, NC Area
• Residential Homebuilding

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead purchasing operations for a growing residential homebuilder. This individual will be responsible for negotiating and managing subcontractor and supplier agreements, controlling construction costs, maintaining community budgets, and leading a team responsible for purchasing and estimating support functions.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in production homebuilding, vendor negotiations, cost management, and team leadership, along with a passion for driving operational efficiency and profitability.

What You'll Do

Purchasing & Cost Management

• Lead the buyout and contract negotiation process for all construction labor and material suppliers.
• Develop and maintain accurate community budgets, standard costs, option pricing, and house cost projections.
• Continuously evaluate and reduce construction costs while maintaining quality standards.
• Manage community bid campaigns and vendor pricing initiatives.
• Review and maintain purchase orders, variance reports, house books, and margin reports for accuracy.
• Analyze custom option requests and develop pricing recommendations.

Vendor & Trade Partner Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and trade partners.
• Monitor vendor performance, quality, pricing, and service levels.
• Resolve purchasing discrepancies and collaborate with Accounting to address payment issues.
• Support initiatives to improve field efficiency, quality, and trade performance.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop Purchasing Agents and Purchasing Coordinators.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability measures.
• Conduct hiring, training, coaching, and performance evaluations.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure community structures, pricing, specifications, and purchasing data are accurately maintained within ERP systems.
• Review plans, scopes of work, specifications, and construction documents for accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, purchasing controls, audit requirements, and operational standards.
• Partner with Sales, Design, Construction, and Executive Leadership to support community performance and profitability.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of purchasing, estimating, or construction operations experience within residential homebuilding.
• Prior leadership experience managing purchasing or estimating teams.
• Strong understanding of residential construction, subcontractor management, and procurement practices.
• Proven success negotiating contracts and managing budgets.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field.
• Experience with production or high-volume homebuilders.
• Experience with NewStar Enterprise ERP, BuildPro, InformXL, or similar homebuilding software platforms.
• Knowledge of land development, budgeting, sales, and community financial performance metrics.

Key Skills

Construction Purchasing

Contract Negotiations

Vendor & Trade Partner Management

Budget Development & Cost Control

Residential Homebuilding

Team Leadership & Development

ERP Systems & Data Management

Financial Analysis & Reporting

Process Improvement

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to play a key role in driving profitability, operational excellence, and growth within a respected residential homebuilder. You'll work alongside a leadership team committed to building quality homes, developing great people, and creating long-term success.