Purchasing Agent

📍 Location: Bethesda, MD | 🕒 Type: Full-Time | 💼 Experience: 3-7 Years

EYA, an award-winning residential builder and developer headquartered in downtown Bethesda, is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Purchasing Agent to join our dynamic team. We specialize in high-quality townhouse construction and are recognized for our commitment to innovation, and best-in-class residential communities.

This is a hands-on role requiring a proactive, detail-oriented professional who thrives in both negotiation and execution. The ideal candidate enjoys problem-solving, takes ownership of procurement processes, and can pivot between tasks efficiently. We are also looking for a candidate who is not only comfortable using procurement technology but also eager to leverage data and automation to enhance efficiency, with a mindset for continuous improvement and innovation.

Are you a results-driven professional who thrives in negotiation, problem-solving, and cost management? Do you want to play a hands-on role in shaping residential projects with a company that values autonomy and innovation? If so, we want to hear from you!

Position Overview:

As a Purchasing Agent, you will be responsible for managing budgets, negotiating contracts, securing competitive pricing, and ensuring the cost-effective procurement of trade services for residential projects. The ideal candidate thrives on negotiating, enjoys cost analysis, and takes pride in securing the best possible deals.

This role requires exceptional negotiation skills, a keen eye for cost control, strong database management abilities, and a passion for leveraging technology to improve procurement processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Negotiation, Cost Control & Vendor Management

• Develop strong, strategic relationships with contractors and suppliers.
• Enjoys and excels at negotiating—actively securing the best pricing and contract terms.
• Analyze pricing, negotiate contracts, and ensure cost efficiency in procurement.
• Continuously assess market conditions and seek new opportunities to optimize project costs.

Budgeting & Cost Analysis

• Develop, analyze, and manage construction budgets for townhouse projects.
• Provide detailed cost projections to support project planning and decision-making.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining high-quality construction standards.

Contracting & Procurement

• Prepare and manage bid packages, ensuring a competitive and fair selection process.
• Review bid submissions, conduct detailed cost analysis, and recommend contractors based on value and quality.
• Draft, execute, and manage contracts, change orders, and purchase agreements.
• Create and maintain options and specification programs.
• Ensure all contracts align with project budgets, compliance standards, and performance expectations.

Technology & Database Management

• Utilize database management tools to track purchasing data, bids, and contracts.
• Manage and update pricing structures and option programs within the accounting system.
• Leverage technology-driven solutions to streamline procurement and reporting processes.

Project Coordination & Communication

• Collaborate closely with Architecture, Construction, and Sales teams to ensure efficient contract execution.
• Communicate and implement construction document updates with subcontractors.
• Monitor contract completion and proactively address challenges to ensure smooth project execution.

Qualifications & Skills:

Core competencies

✅ Minimum 3 years of experience in purchasing within the residential construction industry OR a combination of at least 3 years in purchasing and multiple years in related residential construction roles (e.g., estimating, production, field operations).

✅Proven negotiation skills with a track record of securing cost-effective contractor agreements.

✅ Expertise in budget management, cost control, and contract execution.

✅ Strong database management and procurement technology skills.

Preferred Skills

✅ Familiarity with the DC metropolitan area construction market.

✅ Ability to work independently and make judgment calls in a fast-paced environment.

✅ Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

✅ Exceptional organization and attention to detail.

Why Join EYA?

🎯 Join an award-winning company recognized for innovation in residential development.

💡 Take ownership of projects, drive cost-saving strategies, and play a pivotal role in shaping high-quality urban communities.

📈 Enjoy a fast-paced, negotiation-focused environment where securing the best deal is celebrated.

🚀 Experience career growth opportunities with a company that values independent thinking and professional development.

🏗 Work on impactful residential projects that define the future of urban living.