Purchasing Agent- Electrical Components and Modular Systems
Description
The Purchasing Agent is a key member of our Supply Chain team, responsible for sourcing and procuring electrical-related materials that support our Mission Critical, Electrical, and Energy projects. From evaluating competitive vendor pricing and service to negotiating contracts and managing purchase orders, this role ensures that every project has the right materials, delivered on time and at the best value.
You’ll work closely with project teams, vendors, and internal stakeholders to track back orders, manage submittals, and maintain compliance with contract and company standards. Your ability to balance cost, quality, and schedule while maintaining accurate records and vendor relationships directly impacts project profitability and success.
Purchasing Agents are valued for their attention to detail, strong negotiation skills, and commitment to operational excellence. Their work keeps supply chains efficient and projects moving forward, making them an essential part of delivering high-performance electrical and energy solutions.
Self. Made. at RK
At RK, Self. Made. isn’t a tagline, it’s how work gets done. People here build more than projects; they build capability, confidence, and careers they can be proud of. With so much work designed and fabricated in-house, ideas move quickly from concept to shop floor to job site. Teams collaborate across disciplines, solve real-world challenges, and grow through hands-on work that truly matters.
RK Company Overview
RK Industries is a second-generation family-owned company led by brothers Rick and Jon Kinning. With seven specialized business units working together, we deliver construction, fabrication, manufacturing, and building services with a focus on safety, quality, and craftsmanship.
People join RK for the craftsmanship, complexity, and the ability to make a real impact. Our in-house capabilities mean employees see their ideas become real solutions, creating meaningful collaboration and clear visibility into how work gets built. Growth happens through challenging projects, mentorship from experienced builders, and opportunities that stretch your skill set.
With RK University, accredited apprenticeships, competitive benefits, and deep community investment, RK offers the stability of a family-owned company with the opportunity and momentum of an industry leader.
Position Summary
The Purchasing Agent – Electrical and Mission Critical Materials is a key member of the Supply Chain team, responsible for sourcing and procuring electrical and mission critical materials that support Mission Critical, Electrical, and Energy projects. This role evaluates competitive vendor pricing and service, negotiates contracts, manages purchase orders, and ensures materials are delivered on time and at the best overall value.
Working closely with project teams, vendors, and internal stakeholders, the Purchasing Agent tracks back orders, manages submittals, and ensures compliance with contract requirements and company standards. The ideal candidate brings strong working knowledge of electrical and modular data center materials, including fabrication processes, equipment, and specialty materials used in mission-critical applications, along with the ability to read and interpret specifications and drawings. Strong organizational, follow-up, communication, and negotiation skills are essential to maintaining accurate records, strong vendor relationships, and supporting successful project execution.
Role Responsibilities
- Execute end-to-end purchasing activities, from requisition through purchase order issuance, to support project schedules and operations timelines.
- Source materials, equipment, rough-in items, services as requested for projects and operations while ensuring compliance with approved vendors and buying agreements.
- Obtain competitive pricing through multiple bids and negotiate cost, lead times, rebates, and purchasing terms to achieve best overall value.
- Collaborate with project teams to align purchases with specifications, budgets, schedules, and job cost codes.
- Coordinate deliveries to job sites, fabrication shops, yards, manufacturing facilities, and tool facilities; track back orders and expedite critical materials as needed.
- Optimize inventory levels by utilizing existing yard stock, negotiating product returns at project completion, or other means to support the goal of minimal long-term inventory.
- Analyze pricing, usage, and purchasing trends to support cost control and informed sourcing decisions.
- Maintain accurate purchase order, vendor, and item master data within company systems; verify pricing changes and request new part numbers when required.
- Support Accounts Payable with PO-to-invoice validation and resolution of discrepancies.
- Proactively communicate and resolve supply chain risks, shortages, or delivery issues.
- Where applicable, support project teams with submittals and contract compliance packages.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Strong working knowledge of electrical and modular data center related materials, including fabrication processes, equipment, and specialty material used in a mission-critical applications.
- Ability to read and interpret specifications, drawings, and equipment requirements.
- Strong organizational, follow-up, and communication skills
- Strong proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas).
- Experience working in purchasing or ERP systems.
Primary Career Level:
- Works under general supervision, exercising independent judgment in day-to-day purchasing decisions; consults with supervisor on complex or non-routine matters.
- Receives guidance primarily on overall objectives, priorities, and policy-related issues.
- Acts as a liaison with internal teams and external partners, independently managing matters related to assigned purchasing responsibilities.
- Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present data in a clear, actionable manner.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with strong attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, formulas, lookup functions) preferred.
What Sets RK Industries Apart
Safety: Our unmatched culture of safety is our foremost core value, guiding everything we do each day: Health, Safety, & Environmental
Awards: Whether in Construction, Manufacturing, Fabrication, or Service, RK Industries is highly recognized and accredited throughout the industry: Accreditations & Recognition
Benefits: RK Industries offers competitive benefits to support your growth and well-being: Benefits & Rewards
Philanthropy: RK Industries not only builds our community through our projects, but also invests in it by supporting local services for over a decade through the RK Foundation: RK Foundation
Development: Through RK University, we provide hands-on training and development opportunities that empower employees to advance their careers and grow within the company, to include leadership and technical learning opportunities, we well as our accredited apprentice program: RK University & RK Apprenticeship Program
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
RK Industries, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law