We are looking for a detail-oriented Purchasing Specialist to join our team in Houston, Texas. In this role, you will oversee procurement operations, ensuring the efficient acquisition of goods and services while managing vendor relationships and optimizing costs. This is a Contract to permanent position, offering an excellent opportunity to contribute to organizational success through strategic purchasing and vendor management.<br><br>Responsibilities:<br>• Coordinate the procurement of goods and services to support daily operations efficiently and cost-effectively.<br>• Conduct market analysis to identify and recommend vendors offering the best value in terms of price, quality, and terms.<br>• Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers to secure favorable pricing and conditions.<br>• Monitor vendor performance to ensure adherence to agreements, service excellence, and risk mitigation.<br>• Analyze supply usage and establish reorder points to maintain optimal inventory levels.<br>• Collaborate with suppliers and sales teams to address excess inventory and reduce dead stock.<br>• Resolve issues related to incorrect or defective goods, ensuring smooth purchasing operations.<br>• Review and set up vendor agreements while ensuring compliance with company policies and industry best practices.<br>• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives within the purchasing process.<br>• Maintain accurate records of purchase requests and update tracking systems regularly.
<p><strong>Our client is hiring a Contracts Administrator</strong></p><p>The Contracts Administrator is a key member of the team, and provides support across a portfolio of products including crude oil, natural gas, power, and fuel oil. This role is focused on reducing economic, operational, legal, and regulatory risk by accurately drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts for commodity transactions.</p><p><strong>Primary Responsibilities for the Contracts Administrator </strong></p><ul><li>Review and validate all transaction data, escalating missing or incorrect trades to the Front Office for resolution.</li><li>Draft, issue, and ensure the execution of trade confirmations, following established procedures and timelines.</li><li>Confirm that all drafted contracts include all approved and required terms, referencing applicable master agreements (e.g., ISDA, EEI, NAESB).</li><li>Review broker and counterparty confirmations for accuracy, address discrepancies, and provide prompt feedback.</li><li>Ensure broker confirmations are received and reconcile with trading system data.</li><li>Collaborate closely with Legal, Credit, Operations, and other internal stakeholders to incorporate additional required terms into contracts.</li><li>Proactively follow up on outstanding confirmations, the Contracts Administrate will escalate delays to the Contract Manager and Front Office as necessary, and drive timely resolution.</li><li>Develop and maintain strong relationships with the Front Office, responding to inquiries and requests efficiently and accurately.</li><li>Provide regular weekly updates on outstanding items to the Contracts Lead and Contract Manager.</li><li>Maintain comprehensive electronic records for all documentation and correspondence associated with each trade.</li><li>Respond promptly to external queries regarding contract confirmations.</li><li>Escalate system-related contract issues to the Contracts Lead and Contracts Manager as appropriate.</li><li>Update and maintain documentation of procedures.</li><li>Identify and recommend process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.</li><li>Participate in system and process upgrade testing as needed.</li></ul><p><strong>Qualifications:</strong></p><ul><li>Minimum 1 year of experience in a commodities trading environment preferred for the Contracts Administrator position</li><li>Exposure to or understanding of programming languages such as Python or SQL is an asset.</li><li>Conversational Spanish is a plus.</li><li>Bachelor’s degree in a numerate or semi-numerate discipline (e.g., engineering, mathematics, accounting, economics), or relevant related experience.</li><li>Understanding of the financial implications related to physical commodity movement.</li><li>Ability to assess risk in contractual terms and exercise sound judgment.</li><li>Strong written and verbal communication skills for interfacing with internal and external contacts.</li><li>Proficiency in Microsoft Word and general document administration.</li></ul><p><strong>Competencies:</strong></p><ul><li>Proactive, self-motivated, and resourceful problem-solver.</li><li>Highly organized with strong attention to detail.</li><li>Able to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.</li><li>Strong analytical skills and data-driven mindset.</li><li>Adaptable and committed to continuous learning.</li><li>Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p>
