Buyer

Job Summary

Sun Tribe EPC (“ST EPC”) is Virginia’s premier utility scale Solar design and build firm focused on designing and constructing sub 20MW ground mounted Solar Photovoltaic (PV) facilities.  The Buyer is a key position within the Supply Chain department for Sun Tribe EPC.

The Buyer is responsible for executing the purchase process for major PV equipment through purchase order/contract execution, identifying qualified vendors, appropriate technologies, maintaining a database of current suppliers and their pre-qualification, as well as monitoring supplier performance. The Buyer will manage relationships with key suppliers that support the overall strategic objectives of the organization and ensure reliable support and supply of materials to assigned projects. The Buyer is also responsible for management of Sun Tribe owned inventory. May be assigned other tasks and/ or equipment scopes as needed.

The Buyer position reports directly to the Director, Supply Chain and works closely with other key staff, including Project Engineers, Project Managers and Senior Pre-Construction Manager.

Responsibilities

• Supports the maintenance and continuous improvement of Supply Chain infrastructure and databases, including participating in development of Supply Chain process SOPs, system maintenance and upgrades, maintenance of approved vendor and subcontractor lists, RFQ templates, and historical price databases.
• Performs market research and maintain relationships within the industry to help Sun Tribe stay informed and ahead of changes in the technology and the market as it relates to PV equipment.
• Stays up to date on current events that affect availability, lead times, material costs, and any other procurement impacts
• Maintains global view of procurement status for all project materials within scope of responsibility
• Completes ad hoc analysis and reporting on KPIs.

• Collaborates with Project Engineering and Pre-Construction to develop cost forecasts and models during the discovery and bid stage of Project development.
• During Project Development and Project Delivery phases, collaborates with appropriate stakeholders (engineering, field operations, project managers, etc) in developing bills of materials to define project level procurement requirements.
• Engages with Project Engineering to solicit Quote/Bid Specifications
• Creates the Request for Quote (RFQ) based on the anticipated project requirements and solicits proposals from the respective suppliers.
• Works with suppliers to thoroughly align proposals with system requirements as well as any solutions that reflect value-engineering to our Owner’s and/or seek to reduce Sun Tribe’s risk
• Assesses supplier proposal technical specifications and commercial terms to ensure alignment with the project specific criteria and Owner EPC contracts
• Routes Quotations through proper submittals for approval
• Generates purchase orders (PO) for project materials
• Supports Project Management, Field Operations, and Asset Management teams as needed with resolving supplier contract, quality, and PO issues such as performance and/or quality deficiencies
• Forecasts quarterly needs for major materials, including modules and racking
• Negotiates and maintains favorable terms and conditions with suppliers for each project scope 

• Engages with Vendors and Project Managers to ensure on-time delivery
• Responsible for oversight and management of Sun Tribe-owned inventory and logistics with third party warehousing and shipping partners
• Responsible for oversight and management of vendor-controlled inventory

• A Bachelor's Degree preferred with focus in supply chain management, sustainability, engineering, or construction management or related field
• One of the following is required: Minimum 2 years of procurement experience; OR Minimum 1 year experience within energy, electrical, or similar industry 

• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Excel.  Familiarity with Procore and Air Table or other similar systems preferred
• Experience in negotiating pricing and commercial terms with suppliers preferred
• Ability to work independently and adapt quickly to a rapidly evolving industry
• Excellent planning, organization, and prioritization skills
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work well with others in a collaborative team environment
• Demonstration of company core values; Community, Safety, Perpetual Improvement, Nature, Joy, and Respect

• Require travel to worksites and projects as needed
• Some evening and weekend work is required

Review of Applications will continue until the position is filled.

If you don't check every box, don't let that stop you. We prioritize talent, passion, and drive over what looks good on paper. If you're on the fence, we encourage you to hit the apply button and highlight what draws you to Sun Tribe.

Sun Tribe provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.

Sun Tribe complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the Sun Tribe has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Read more about our company values and what it’s like to work at Sun Tribe.

Sun Tribe EPC is a drug-free workplace, pre-employment drug screening is required.