At Jacobs, we’re not just building structures, we’re helping our clients innovate and grow by designing, engineering, and executing the construction of their state-of-the-art facilities that are changing our world.  

As a Senior Buyer for Life Sciences North America, you will be responsible for purchasing major capital equipment and materials for mid to large-sized Projects (Projects with a Total Installed Cost of $50M - $750M). The Senior Buyer applies functional knowledge and existing methodologies to solve complex problems while implementing innovative solutions. Dedicated lead on projects with accountability for team members and ongoing activities or objectives.

Leverage your passion and experience as you conduct and coordinate procurement transactions associated with purchasing complex materials/equipment as assigned. The Senior Buyer has thorough knowledge and understanding of procurement concepts, principles and practices, and the techniques of ensuring task completion. They understand the role of procurement and its integration with other project functions, accomplish value-added expectations, and perform assignments in accordance with established policies and procedures. The Senior Buyer has the demonstrated experience to advance the knowledge of a subject area or commodity.

The Senior Buyer reports directly to the Manager of Procurement Services (MOPS) for the office which they are assigned. While supporting Jacobs’ Projects, the Senior Buyer will report indirectly to the assigned Project Procurement Manager (PPM) or Project Manager.

Bring your curiosity, passion for innovation, and talent for multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment and we will help you grow, pursue and fulfill what inspires you - so we can make big impacts on the world, together!

Some responsibilities and duties:

• As a Purchasing Lead, develop upfront Procurement planning activities such as providing into the Supply Management Execution Plan (SMEP), establishing Purchasing Strategies, and developing project-specific templates, reports and tools

• As a Purchasing Lead, provide general guidance to Procurement Professionals who may be assigned to the Project. This typically includes providing on-the-job training, offering support and guidance, performing supply management systems instruction, and managing package assignments.

• Purchasing assignments typically will consist of major purchases of complex, critical or high-risk materials and equipment

• Utilizes established policies, procedures, systems, and tools

• Coordinates the procurement of goods and administers Purchase Orders (POs)/Procurement Agreements and change orders (modifications) to accomplish project or group objectives and obligations

• Reviews PO-related invoices and ensures that invoices are approved in accordance with terms and conditions agreed within the purchase order

• Evaluates facts surrounding purchase order problem areas and applies remedies to resolve it

• Prepares bidder lists, qualifies bidders, prepares requests for quotation, and conducts bid evaluations

• Prepares proposal deliverables, such as pricing of materials, execution approach narratives, and package hour estimates for purchasing

• Recommends source selections, development of negotiation strategies, plan and lead purchase order negotiations

• May serve as the lead buyer or purchasing coordinator on medium to large size projects or tasks and may act as a subject matter expert in regard to a commodity or specialized subject area

• Helps stakeholders in understanding the overall Procurement process

• Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations. No direct reports. Supervises the work of less senior buyers and procurement support personnel who assist with the purchasing activities

• Bachelor’s degree in a business, construction, supply chain, or operations management, or equivalent project experience in lieu of degree will be considered

• 10+ years of experience in capital equipment purchasing in an EPCM environment

• 5+ years of experience in Biopharmaceutical/Life Science Manufacturing Projects preferred

• Critical thinking and problem solving to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of Project’s Procurement efforts

• A drive to solve complex and challenging problems.

• Willingness to indirectly lead and mentor a team of Procurement professionals

Ideally you'll have:

• Master’s degree in a business, construction, supply chain, or operations management, but not required

• Experience using MS Office tools, including intermediate to advanced MS Excel skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• The ability to work and thrive in a team environment

• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills

#LifeSciences, #Bio/Pharma, #EPCMV, #globallifescience

Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.