COMPANY OVERVIEW:

AT MACDONALD-MILLER FACILITY SOLUTIONS (“MacMiller”) we make buildings work better. As the Northwest's leading mechanical contracting firm, we design, deliver and service HVAC, plumbing and automation system solutions for commercial buildings. With our 1000 employees across 8 offices – there is a breadth and variety of work to keep you engaged and inspired.

We enjoy a well-respected history of exceeding our customers' expectations and executing with distinction. Our clients trust their toughest projects with our integrated teams, including:

• New construction – From an architectural 3D model to a completed 40 story urban building that is on time and on budget
• Special projects - Updates/remodeling for existing commercial buildings for new efficiencies
• Service - On demand and scheduled maintenance ensuring tenant comfort
• Building performance - Control systems and automation for energy improvement and minimal surprises

People love working at MacDonald-Miller – that's a F.A.C.T.:

• FAMILY – Belong to something, be known and know others have your back. You are supported, respected and will have fun going to work. You are trusted to collaborate on big jobs and empowered to own it. We are recognized as a Best Places to Work and believe people work for people, not companies. People stick around for a reason as it's more than a job.
• AUTHENTIC - You are respected and trusted with information ranging from monthly company financials to team metrics. You will be engaged with authentic and honest conversations on how to fix problems, not placing blame. Our environment is a safe place to share ideas, ask questions, and know that you are heard and contributing value to the team.
• CUSTOMER FOCUSED – We empower our employees to make decisions that correspond with our Customer Commitment. It's not just about the bottom line, we do the right thing for our customers to build trusted partnerships and prove that we're in this for the long haul. We value humility – It makes no difference how great we think we are. It's how great they think we are.   
• TRANSFORMATIVE - You will be inspired and learn as we invest in new technologies and business processes. From real-time job site video capture (MacLens), using iPads vs. paper, 3D modeling, pre-fab strategies, and leveraging sensors to detect problems before they happen – you will be on the cutting edge and continuously learning (MacTED).

ROLE OVERVIEW:

The Associate Buyer role reports to Casey Valentine/ Director of Purchasing on a collaborative team working on a variety of projects and initiatives to support the growing business. This role is one of MacDonald-Miller's key sources for communication with vendors and manufacturers in the procurement of material and goods for the company. S/he is responsible to provide and direct resources in the coordination of all activities involving the procurement of commodities, products, equipment and specialty materials. S/he ensures company-wide compliance with established purchasing policies and procedures, works directly with engineering, estimating, sales, project management, shop fabrication, production and accounting personnel to fulfill the procurement needs for our projects. 

Top 4 things to deliver in the first year to be a hero:

• Communicate risks, pricing escalations and warranty related issues for products to all project specific and corporate stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with internal/external customers that sourced items meet project requirements regarding: design intent, budget, quality & delivery schedules.
• Issue purchase orders in a timely manner while ensuring document accuracy and completeness.
• Actively pursue best valued product solutions.

KEY ROLE ACTIVITIES:

CUSTOMER SERVICE / PERFORMANCE / PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

• Serve as a primary MMFS contact to vendors / manufactures for sourcing of products and materials.
• Perform job responsibilities with a professional, customer service minded approach and positive attitude.
• Proactively addresses and resolves any issues related to purchase orders and/or products.
• Maintain a diligent work ethic, attention to detail and exceptional responsiveness to customer needs.
• Participate in daily cross-functional communications within the company to support customer requirements.
• Exhibit strong teamwork skills and an ability to work with all levels of personnel.
• Possess efficient multi-tasking & prioritization skills and the ability to make sound decisions quickly.

BUYING APPROACH / PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE

• Stay current on product knowledge, market trends, conditions and communicates sourcing opportunities or challenges to stakeholders.
• Manage material stock inventory detail, ERP processes, reporting and material tracking.
• Effectively communicate company standards and policies to suppliers so they can best advance our goals.
• Create, enhance, and promote MMFS's competitive advantage and maintain corporate pricing confidentiality.
• Continuously evaluate opportunities for new products, suppliers and better ways to source products to meet the growing needs of the company.

PURCHASING PROCESS / PROCEDURES

• Review all requisitions before ordering.
• Research all vendor sources to ensure best prices, availability and service.
• Facilitate inventory accuracy by participating in monthly and quarterly inventory audits as required.
• Maintain logs on vendor performance.
• Maintain and foster balance between execution, value, and internal controls in the purchasing process.
• Responsible for computer tracking and processing of purchase orders and purchase order history.
• Issue purchase orders to vendors ensuring accuracy and completeness of the PO documentation.
• Complete invoice batches in a timely manner and assist Accounts Payable in resolving billing issues.
• Perform quality control reviews to locate and correct data entry errors on procurement orders and invoices.
• Research source data, identify problems, and resolve data accuracy issues.
• Procure product submittals and OM's in a timely manner.
• Verify product conformance with engineering specification requirements.
• Monitor and communicate warranty related issues with manufactures and vendors.
• Act as MacDonald-Miller's advocate to our vendors, assist resolution of purchasing process breakdowns.
• Assist in managing vendor contacts and approved suppliers list.
• Coordinate with vendors for timely delivery of all material, products and equipment.
• Support all purchasing department members as workload necessitates.
• Maintain current vendor discount lists.
• Utilize WennSoft Purchasing software.
• Actively reviews processes to promote Lean system thinking efficiency.
• Performs additional task as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering or other relevant discipline.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of professional related work experience is required with experience in purchasing and supply chain management or construction industry is preferred.
• Knowledge in the sourcing of general metal fabrication materials, piping and electrical commodities, parts, specialties and equipment sourcing.
• • Ability to analyze problems and opportunities then systematically approach them to make improvements both short term and long term
• Advance computer skills required (Excel, Access, etc.)
• Must have experience with supplier managed inventory, tracking record of cost and inventory/lead-time reduction.
• Must be able to work with a sense of urgency in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be attentive to details and results driven
• Self-starter with a sense of urgency in completing work tasks and adhering to deadlines.
• Willingness to ask questions and offer suggestions on improving work processes and procedures.
• Ability to accurately and calmly handle multiple priorities with interruptions and still meet deadlines
• Have strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to effectively interact with vendors, field personnel, sales and office staff in a way that builds collaborative working relationships.
• Ability to identify risks issues and can communicate alternative methods to mitigate their potential impact.
• Possess strong verbal, written, analytical, persuasion and interpersonal skills.
• Above-average skills in Microsoft Office products and computer trends/technology.
• Take pride in one's work and accepts a level of responsibility for his/her professionalism and accuracy.
• Ability to consistently set goals, meet deadlines and adapt to flexible responsibilities.
• Ability to work closely with a variety of different personalities.
• Ability to work independently or in a team atmosphere.
• Project a positive image of the company and herself/himself to customers.
• Project a professional attitude towards vendors, customers, management, co-workers, and field staff.
• Have an excellent attendance record at prior employment.
• Understand, accept and support MacDonald-Miller's Operating Guidelines, Operational Beliefs and Customer Commitment.

LOCATION:

Seattle HQ office (7717 Detroit Ave SW, Seattle WA 98106) in SoDo area with easy access to Downtown and West Seattle, ample parking and an onsite gym, not to mention great views! Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision for employee {coverage available for dependents for shared premium}.
• 401k retirement plan including Company matching.
• Holiday Pay.
• Vacation, and sick leave compensation.
• Disability income protection.
• Employee and Dependent Life Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (Childcare).
• Employee Assistance Program.

Interested to learn more? Click Apply to start the conversation!