Purchasing professionals with a talent for leadership take note: One of the country’s largest privately held homebuilders needs a purchasing manager to join its team in San Antonio. This person will take charge of vendor negotiation in a top-five market, where annual housing starts are expected to increase from 300 to 450 in the coming years. The company has an established, diverse presence in San Antonio, offering the right person the chance to collaborate with other executives in construction and sales while leading a team of 14. In addition to the career potential this role offers, this builder provides an excellent benefits package and exceptional perks, like profit sharing and sabbaticals.

The personnel management responsibilities of the role include the hiring, training and coaching of a staff of builder service reps, estimators, a warrantee coordinator and others. Additionally, the purchasing manager will oversee a design center with a staff of four. He or she will develop critical contractor and vendor relationships, negotiating favorable pricing while selecting trade partners. The purchasing manager will also interact directly with builders on current conditions and changes. Other duties include gross margin analysis and managing consistent takeoffs.

Candidates for this role should possess a relevant bachelor’s degree and extensive experience in construction. That should include at least one year in construction operations and five or more years in construction purchasing management, including estimating and relevant accounting and staff supervision. Skills with Excel and JD Edwards are preferred. Moreover, the new purchasing manager will be knowledgeable in all functional areas of home building and will possess excellent negotiation skills and the ability to work in a self-directed fashion.

Christopher Frederick Search Consultants, a trusted national executive search firm, has been retained to help this celebrated homebuilder find the newest member of its San Antonio leadership. If you feel your purchasing background and management acumen would make a good fit, contact firm principal Chris Hingle at (713) 961-5582, email him at chingle@chrisfred.com or visit www.chrisfred.com.