Industrial Buyer — Engineered Pipe Systems

Why this role matters

Across the country, communities rely on resilient water and wastewater infrastructure. At Thompson Pipe Group – Pressure in Grand Prairie, TX 75050, your expertise in technical procurement will keep those critical projects on track. From concrete and steel to FRP pressure pipe, you’ll turn complex engineering intent into on-time materials—and measurable cost savings.

Department: Central Purchasing | Reports To: Vice President of Purchasing | Supervisory: None

**FLSA Status:
**Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Your mission

Own the sourcing strategy that aligns quality, cost, and delivery. You’ll read and interpret AWWA/ASTM/ANSI specifications and drawings, validate requirements against engineering buyout lists, and challenge discrepancies. You’ll cultivate a best-in-class supplier base for steel, cement, aggregate, resin, gaskets, coatings, and outsourced components—negotiating pricing, lead times, and terms that protect schedules and margins across multiple manufacturing facilities.

How you’ll deliver impact

• Translate technical specs and drawings into accurate purchasing actions for pressure pipe projects.
• Evaluate alternates that meet technical/quality criteria while improving cost, availability, and lead time.
• Source, qualify, onboard, and develop suppliers; conduct performance reviews and resolve issues.
• Negotiate favorable commercial terms; issue POs; confirm acknowledgments; monitor supplier production and delivery commitments.
• Use ERP (IFS) and the Purchasing Tracker to prioritize shortages, manage daily demand, and document cost savings.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Production, Receiving, and Project Management to remove material roadblocks.
• Track commodity trends (steel, cement, resin, and related inputs) and adjust purchasing strategy.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and identify process improvements; take on special projects as needed.

What you’ll need

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings/specifications and AWWA/ASTM/ANSI standards for pressure pipe manufacturing.
• Negotiation strength across pricing, terms, and lead times.
• Experience qualifying alternative materials/suppliers and managing vendor relationships at scale.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and highly organized; adept at problem solving.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with multiple priorities.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Excel); ERP (IFS or similar) experience preferred.
• Independent contributor who thrives in a team setting.
• Knowledge of water/wastewater markets and commodity dynamics (steel, cement, resin, aggregate) is a plus.

Preferred background

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Purchasing, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 2–3 years of purchasing/procurement experience in manufacturing.
• Experience buying engineered concrete, steel, or FRP pipe—or comparable capital/industrial products—strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings/specs and pipeline/pressure pipe terminology is a plus.

Schedule

• Monday–Friday, typically 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. depending on facility.
• After-hours work as required by business needs.
• Occasional Saturdays.