Procurement Specialist

Location: Dallas, TX / Houston, TX / St. Louis, MO / Remote
Employment Type: Full-Time

About UtilliCo

At UtilliCo, we are a dynamic Engineering and Project management company that provide comprehensive solutions for the Power Industry.  We empower innovation and deliver exceptional results for our clients with our expertise and commitment to excellence.  We are passionate about engineering excellence, innovation, and making a positive impact. Partner with us and experience the UtilliCo advantage in delivering outstanding projects that power the future!

As a leading company in the industry, UtilliCo is dedicated to meeting the unique and evolving needs of the power utilities sector. Our team of highly skilled professionals brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every project, ensuring the highest level of quality, efficiency, and safety.

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Procurement Specialist to support construction of electric substation, overhead, and underground electrical distribution systems for utility clients.  The Procurement Specialist is proactive, organized, and committed to supporting project material needs that keep projects running efficiently. This role blends requesting material quotes, vendor management, supplier coordination, supplier outreach. It’s a balance of strategic supply planning and action—tracking details while staying closely connected to the project schedule. We value individuals who don’t just react to problems, but investigate root causes, ask the right questions, and prevent issues before they occur.

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, purchasing, and managing the delivery of materials and equipment for utility, transmission, distribution, and renewable energy substation projects. This role will lead procurement activities for major electrical equipment, coordinate with engineering and construction teams, manage supplier relationships, and ensure timely delivery of materials to support project schedules and budgets.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience procuring high-voltage electrical equipment and a solid understanding of substation construction and utility industry supply chains.

The ideal candidate will have experience in substation, overhead, and underground utility material procurement, material coordination. contract compliance, working closely with Engineers & Project Managers, and resolving field issues. Candidates with experience working for electric utilities or utility consulting firms are strongly encouraged to apply. This position will be based out of Dallas, TX / Houston, TX / St. Louis, MO / Remote.
 

Key Responsibilities
 

• Lead procurement activities for substation projects including sourcing, bid solicitation, commercial evaluations, and purchase order issuance.
• Procure major electrical equipment and materials including:
  • Power transformers
  • Circuit breakers
  • Disconnect switches
  • Relay panels and protection systems
  • Control houses
  • Bus and conductor systems
  • Steel structures
  • Instrument transformers
  • Cable and conduit
  • SCADA and communication equipment
• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with project schedules and budgets.
• Identify qualified vendors and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard suppliers locally and internationally.
• Lead commercial and contractual negotiations to secure optimal terms and conditions.
• Manage RFQ, RFI, and RFP processes and facilitate supplier selection committees.
• Conduct cost analysis and identify cost-saving and process optimization opportunities.
• Develop, negotiate, and manage framework agreements, contracts, and long-term supplier relationships.
• Define and implement procurement strategies across multiple sourcing categories.
• Assess and mitigate supply chain risks, including developing contingency plans and alternative sources for critical suppliers.
• Review vendor updates, confirm open POs, and plan daily purchases
• Compare vendor quotes and issue POs for best cost, quality, and delivery
• Track orders, lead times, and receipts
• Communicate as needed with suppliers to keep deliveries on schedule
• Work with engineering and production to verify part needs or substitutions
• Analyze usage and lead-time data to guide stocking and cost decisions

• Assist with inventory, shipping coverage, or material prep as needed.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, delivery schedules, warranties, and service agreements.
• Evaluate supplier performance related to cost, quality, lead times, and responsiveness.
• Manage supplier contracts, purchase orders, change orders, and claims resolution.
• Coordinate factory acceptance testing (FAT) schedules and supplier inspections as required.
• Support legal and risk management review of procurement agreements.
• Work closely with engineering, project management, and construction teams to ensure equipment specifications and procurement are clearly defined.

• Track long-lead equipment and proactively mitigate supply chain risks and schedule impacts.
• Coordinate logistics, expediting, and delivery schedules to project sites.
• Support project forecasting, budgeting, and cost control activities.
• Participate in project meetings and provide procurement status updates.
• Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain constraints impacting electrical equipment.

• Develop procurement schedules and maintain accurate tracking reports.
• Assist with inventory management and material planning for multiple concurrent projects.
• Implement procurement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, client requirements, and industry standards.

• Maintain procurement documentation including bids, contracts, submittals, and vendor records.
• Support quality requirements and coordinate with QA/QC teams on supplier compliance.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree (A.A.S.) or higher; 2–3 years in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain required
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of procurement or supply chain experience supporting substation, utility, transmission & distribution, renewable energy, or heavy industrial projects, preferred.
• Strong knowledge of high-voltage electrical equipment and utility industry procurement processes.
• Experience managing large equipment packages and long-lead material procurement.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and vendor management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications and electrical equipment documentation.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, procurement software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Proven experience in commercial negotiations and contract management.
• Experience working with international suppliers, preferred
• Logical, data-driven thinker who can balance cost, quantity, and timing
• Background test required
• Drug test may be required
• Experience working with electric utilities or utility projects, preferred
• Understanding of substation, overhead, and underground electrical distribution systems, preferred
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems; experience with Priority ERP, preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to derive business insights from data.
• Ability to work independently and lead complex cross-functional processes

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strategic thinking and a system-oriented mindset.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Experience supporting EPC contractors or utility clients, preferred.
• Knowledge of utility substation construction and commissioning processes, preferred.
• Familiarity with major OEMs and electrical equipment manufacturers.
• CPM, CPSM, or related procurement certification preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong negotiation and decision-making capabilities.
• High level of organization, attention to detail, and ability to perform under pressure.
• Proactive, accountable, and results-driven approach.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Candidates must be at least 21 years old due to insurance requirements.
• Must possess a satisfactory driving record.
• Procurement cost savings and cost reduction initiatives.
• On-time completion of projects and achievement of project milestones.
• Material availability and On-Time Delivery (OTD) performance.
• Supplier performance improvement and development.
• Compliance with approved budgets and business objectives.
• Must be able to hear, see, and respond effectively in safety-sensitive environments.
• Must be able to follow all safe working procedures and practices.

Why Choose UtilliCo

• Expertise and Experience: With years of experience in the industry, we have honed our skills and built a solid reputation for delivering exceptional engineering and project management services.
• Client-Centric Approach: We prioritize our clients' goals and objectives, working closely with them to understand their unique needs and deliver tailored solutions that exceed expectations.
• Innovation and Creativity: We embrace innovation and leverage cutting-edge technologies to drive efficiency, optimize performance, and deliver sustainable solutions for our clients.
• Collaborative Partnerships: We believe in fostering strong and collaborative partnerships with our co-workers, clients, consultants, and stakeholders, ensuring seamless communication and project success.
• Commitment to Quality and Safety: We are committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and safety in all our projects, ensuring the well-being of our team, clients, and the communities we serve.