Senior Procurement Buyer (Construction, Engineering, and Gas Storage Operations)

Senior Procurement Buyer (Construction, Engineering, and Gas Storage Operations) 

Non-Union Position
Purchasing Staff; Portland, Oregon (US-OR)  

Hybrid schedule available for Oregon & Washington residents. 
Regular FT 
Posting # 5440  

 

About Us:

 

At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry.  

 

In addition to environmental stewardship, we’re also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility.
 

The Role:

 

Lead strategic sourcing for major engineering and construction initiatives at NW Natural. In this senior role, you’ll shape procurement strategies for $50–$100M+ projects, drive complex negotiations, and strengthen supplier partnerships to deliver measurable business value. Join a team dedicated to enhancing our capabilities, driving sustainable practices, and delivering on operational excellence. 

 

As a Senior Procurement Buyer, you will help transform procurement from a transactional function into a strategic partner that supports critical infrastructure development. You’ll manage end-to-end procurement for large-scale engineering and plant construction projects; planning, sourcing, and securing services, equipment, and materials. Core responsibilities include analyzing specifications, evaluating proposals, negotiating high-value contracts, and ensuring compliance with company standards.

 

Aligned with NW Natural’s vision to position Procurement as a catalyst for improvement, sustainability, and measurable value, you will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to deliver timely, cost-effective, and compliant solutions. You will also play a critical role in shaping sourcing strategies, optimizing procurement processes, and monitoring vendor performance to achieve operational excellence while supporting company goals for safety, integrity, and environmental stewardship.

Day to Day:

 

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for engineering services, construction services, materials, and operational supplies.
• Analyze market trends, cost drivers, and supplier capabilities to inform decision-making.
• Deliver optimal value through cost control, risk mitigation, and timely procurement.

Stakeholder Engagement & Customer Service

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders through proactive, transparent communication.
• Collaborate with business partners to integrate forecasted requirements into procurement plans.
• Serve as a trusted resource and mentor for colleagues and junior team members.

Contracting & Negotiation

• Work closely with Legal and internal teams to negotiate and finalize contracts, NDAs, and agreements.
• Promote best practices in negotiation and business relationship management to strengthen procurement capabilities.

Operational Excellence

• Process approved requisitions and create purchase orders (POs) within established timelines.
• Track PO delivery dates and maintain accurate data in SAP S/4HANA, Ariba, and Fieldglass.
• Resolve complex issues related to product/service quality, delivery, and pricing.

Vendor Performance & Compliance

• Ensure suppliers meet contractual obligations and service-level agreements.
• Monitor and document supplier performance, addressing discrepancies promptly.
• Maintain compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.

Financial Acumen & Cost Optimization

• Apply financial analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and maximize value.
• Monitor short-term and long-term pricing trends for materials and services, balancing quality, delivery, and payment terms.

Continuous Improvement & Leadership

• Lead or contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance procurement efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction.

Come on your first day with: