Purchase Engineer

Procurement & Purchase Engineer

Department: Purchase & Procurement
Industry: Construction / Infrastructure
Reporting To: Purchase Manager / Project Manager / Management
Location: Head Office / Project Sites

1. Job Purpose

To manage end-to-end procurement and purchasing activities for construction projects, ensuring timely availability of quality materials, competitive pricing, proper vendor coordination, and compliance with company procurement procedures.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Procurement Planning

• Review material requirements received from project sites and prepare procurement plans.
• Coordinate with Project Managers, Site Engineers, Stores and Accounts teams for material requirements.
• Ensure timely procurement of construction materials as per project schedules.
• Monitor stock levels and avoid shortages or unnecessary excess inventory.

B. Vendor Development & Management

• Identify and develop reliable suppliers, manufacturers and subcontractors.
• Obtain quotations from multiple vendors and prepare comparative statements.
• Evaluate vendors based on price, quality, delivery schedule, payment terms and past performance.
• Maintain an updated vendor/supplier database.
• Coordinate with vendors regarding delivery, quality issues, replacements and pending supplies.

C. Rate Negotiation & Purchase

• Negotiate rates, discounts, credit periods, transportation and other commercial terms with suppliers.
• Ensure procurement is made at competitive market rates.
• Prepare and process Purchase Orders (POs) after approval.
• Follow up on purchase orders until complete delivery at site.
• Verify quotations, specifications, quantities and commercial terms before placing orders.

D. Construction Material Procurement
Handle procurement of materials such as:

• Cement, steel and reinforcement materials
• Sand, aggregate, bricks/blocks and other civil materials
• Plumbing and sanitary materials
• Electrical materials
• GI/CPVC/UPVC pipes and fittings
• Waterproofing and construction chemicals
• Hardware and consumables
• Safety materials and PPE
• Tools, machinery and equipment
• Site office and general requirements

E. Site Coordination

• Coordinate with site teams to understand urgent and planned material requirements.
• Track material dispatch and delivery status.
• Resolve delays, shortages, damages and quality-related issues with suppliers.
• Coordinate with Stores for material receipt and documentation.
• Ensure materials are delivered as per required specifications and approved brands.

F. Documentation & Records

• Maintain Purchase Orders, quotations, comparative statements and supplier records.
• Maintain procurement tracker and pending-order report.
• Check invoices against PO, delivery challan, GRN/MRN and approved rates.
• Maintain records of material rates and historical purchase prices.
• Prepare periodic procurement reports for management.

G. Cost Control

• Monitor material prices and market trends.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through negotiation, bulk purchasing and alternate vendors.
• Compare current rates with previous purchase rates.
• Ensure purchases remain within approved project budgets.
• Escalate significant price variations to management.

3. Coordination

The Procurement & Purchase Engineer will coordinate with:

• Project Managers
• Site Engineers
• Store In-charge
• Accounts & Finance Department
• Planning & Billing Team
• Vendors / Suppliers
• Subcontractors
• Management

4. Required Qualifications

• Diploma / B.E. / B.Tech. in Civil Engineering preferred.
• Candidates with relevant experience in construction procurement/purchase will be preferred.
• Knowledge of construction materials and their specifications is essential.

5. Experience

Preferred Experience: 25 years in construction/infrastructure procurement or purchase.

Candidates with experience in civil construction, government projects, MES, PWD, MJP, MIDC or water infrastructure projects will be preferred.

6. Required Skills

• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Good knowledge of construction materials
• Vendor development and management
• Rate comparison and negotiation
• Purchase order preparation
• Cost control and procurement planning
• Good knowledge of MS Excel
• Knowledge of ERP/Tally/software-based procurement systems
• Ability to coordinate with multiple project sites
• Good follow-up and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work under deadlines

7. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timely procurement as per site requirements
• Purchase cost savings
• Vendor performance
• Reduction in material procurement delays
• Accuracy of purchase documentation
• Compliance with approved procurement procedures
• Material quality and specification compliance
• Reduction in emergency/last-minute purchases
• Maintenance of procurement records and reports

8. Personal Attributes

• Responsible and proactive
• Strong follow-up ability
• Commercially aware
• Honest and transparent in vendor dealings
• Detail-oriented
• Good decision-making ability
• Willingness to travel/visit project sites when required

9. Authority & Responsibility

The employee will be responsible for executing procurement activities within the authority limits and approval procedures prescribed by the company. Any purchase beyond the approved limit, specification or budget shall require appropriate management approval.