Careers

Porter Collective LLC is partnering with an industrial distribution company in Aurora, IL to identify a Sr. Indirect Capital Buyer for a direct hire opportunity. This is a chance to join a growing organization and take ownership of projects that support the company's operations and continued growth. This candidate will play a critical role in supporting the distribution's expansion, modernization, and continuous improvement across the manufacturing network. The business is growing through strategic capital investments, including new equipment, automation, facility upgrades, and plant improvements.

In this role, you will partner closely with Engineering, Operations, Facilities, and Finance to support capital investment projects and ensure equipment and services are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with technical and operational requirements. The ideal candidate brings hands-on procurement experience in a manufacturing environment and has supported capital projects from early concept through installation and startup.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead end-to-end sourcing and procurement for capital equipment, capital-related services, and assigned indirect spend—from RFQs/RFPs through contract award and PO execution

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for capital categories such as production machinery, automation, robotics, tooling, and facilities equipment

• Conduct supplier and contractor qualification to assess capability, capacity, quality systems, and financial stability

• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and execute master agreements including equipment purchase agreements, construction contracts, and service agreements

• Manage contracts, purchase orders, and change orders in alignment with capital approval and governance processes

• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Facilities, and Finance to support project timelines, technical requirements, and budget adherence

• Develop and maintain strong supplier and contractor relationships that support reliability, performance, and business growth

• Provide procurement leadership and guidance to project teams and junior buyers as needed

• Influence capital planning decisions through early engagement and market insight

• Support continuous improvement of capital procurement processes and governance.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Proven success negotiating complex capital purchases and commercial agreements

• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, scopes of work, and engineering documentation

• Experience executing RFQs/RFPs, supplier evaluations, and negotiations for high-value capital purchases and recurring indirect spend

• Strong collaboration skills across Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, and Finance

• Ability to identify and execute cost savings, value engineering, and standardization opportunities

• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to analyze data, run reports, and make data-driven decisions

• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and follow-through

• Self-directed, resourceful, and capable of working independently

• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SyteLine, SAP, Oracle) and Microsoft Office Suite