Purchasing Manager - Residential Construction (Brentwood)

The Purchasing Manager is the primary leader responsible for procurement, trade partner relationships, and cost management for all custom residential construction projects and reports directly to the Division Manager. This position plays a critical role in protecting project budgets, maintaining projected gross margins, and ensuring each custom home is built with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship.

Unlike production building, custom residential construction requires detailed estimating, flexible purchasing strategies, and close coordination with homeowner selections, architects, and designers. The Purchasing Manager oversees procurement from pre-construction budgeting through final completion, ensuring all materials, scopes of work, and trade partner agreements accurately reflect the unique specifications of each custom home.

This role requires a detail-oriented, relational leader who communicates clearly, negotiates effectively, and proactively manages cost, quality, and schedule expectations in a dynamic custom building environment.

Key Responsibilities Foster strong relationships with trade partners, suppliers, and designers to support custom home construction. Solicit, review, and level detailed bids based on architectural plans, specifications, and homeowner selections. Develop comprehensive scopes of work tailored to each unique custom project. Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with subcontractors and specialty vendors. Prepare and issue accurate purchase orders reflecting custom specifications, allowances, and approved selections. Ensure all subcontractor and vendor agreements are fully executed prior to commencement of work. Maintain detailed job cost budgets and protect projected gross profit margins. Manage allowances, upgrades, and homeowner-driven changes with updated pricing and cost analysis. Coordinate closely with Project Managers and Superintendents to align material procurement with construction sequencing and site logistics. Proactively manage long-lead and specialty items (custom millwork, windows, cabinetry, appliances, specialty finishes, etc.). Identify value engineering opportunities while maintaining design intent and quality standards. Monitor vendor performance for quality, schedule adherence, and craftsmanship standards. Maintain accurate cost data and vendor records within purchasing and construction management systems. Manage supply chain risks and resolve pricing, scope, or delivery conflicts efficiently.

Qualifications 5+ years of purchasing or estimating experience in custom residential construction. Strong understanding of architectural plans, specifications, and residential building materials. Experience managing allowances, selections, and change orders in a custom environment. Proven negotiation skills and established trade partner relationships. Strong financial acumen with the ability to protect margins on complex, highly customized projects. Exceptional organizational and communication skills. Experience with residential construction management and purchasing software.