Buyer / Sr. Buyer (Houston, TX)

Position Description

Kinder Morgan is moving the fuels of today for the energy of the future. From the natural gas that heats your home to the gasoline that fuels your vehicle, our pipeline and terminal assets provide the necessary infrastructure to meet today’s growing global energy demand and play a key role in the low-carbon energy transition of the future. The Kinder Morgan centralized procurement department is organized to support the growing demands of our business. As an industry leader in ESG, we make it a priority to maintain a diverse supplier portfolio. In addition, we offer a hybrid work environment for employees including a 9/80 schedule. We are determined to find dedicated, self-driven candidates that embrace our core values of integrity, accountability, safety, and excellence. The team is focused on ensuring business needs are met while also providing employees with necessary flexibility to maintain work-life balance. If you are interested in a new challenge, please consider applying and help us deliver energy to improve lives and create a better world.

The Buyer position requires a knowledge of basic purchasing functions. The Buyer must be able to apply this knowledge when reviewing requisitions for materials and/or equipment purchases to find the best purchasing opportunity for Kinder Morgan with respect to cost, quality and delivery.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

The job duties and responsibilities for the Buyer include generating requests for quotation and issuing Purchase Orders for the procurement of materials and equipment. The Buyer must be familiar with all basic purchasing concepts and practices and buying strategies. In addition, but not necessarily limited to, the Buyer will be responsible for the following:

- Applying basic supply chain techniques to maximize value to the business and ensure best practices are being implemented

- Applying standard processes while meeting business requirements in accordance with Procurement’s policies and procedures with minimal supervision

- Demonstrating strong knowledge of material and commodities being purchased

- Working with cross functional teams to identify critical materials and/or equipment

- Understanding standard terms and conditions for purchases and how they protect the company from risks and liabilities with minimal supervision

- Reviewing requisitions for material and equipment to determine best vendor based on price, delivery and quality with minimal supervision

- Developing bid lists and bid packages for the purchase of materials and equipment

- Evaluating vendor quotations to ensure price, quality, and delivery

- Conducting analysis of customer requisitions for materials and/or equipment and evaluating past needs/requirements in order to practice effective material requirements planning

- Demonstrating a basic knowledge of the Inventory Management program by analyzing customer requisitions for new material requests to identify potential surplus items in company inventory

- Providing procurement customer recommendations of vendor selections obtained through the evaluation of vendor quotations and other comparative analysis

- Ensuring all purchases are in compliance with all company policies and procedures and with all federal, state and local laws and regulations

- Following Kinder Morgan Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

- Job level will commensurate with experience and knowledge

Position Requirements

Education & Experience:

- Bachelor degree in Business, Engineering, Accounting, Supply Chain Management or other related discipline is preferred

- 2 years of experience in a purchasing/procurement environment is required

- Minimum 10 years of experience in a purchasing/procurement environment required in lieu of a Bachelor degree

Certificates & Licenses

- Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers is required

- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

- Familiar with industry related commodities

- Strong interpersonal skills and capable of building strong relationships with internal customers, as well as vendors

- Strong analytical, problem solving and time management skills

- Able to work in a team and take direction from management or senior level peers

- Strong communication (written and oral) and organization skills

- Maintain a high regard for personal safety, safety of company assets and employees and the general public

- Proficient in Microsoft applications including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint

- Experience with SharePoint, Contract Management and ERP systems

Additional Job Responsibilities

- Travel may be required across a broad geographic region, as determined by hiring manager

- May be required to work non-traditional hours as needed

- May be required to carry a company provided cell phone and respond as needed during working and non-working hours

Company Offers

- Competitive wages; job level and salary commensurate with experience and skill sets

- 401(k) Savings Plans

- Retirement Plan

- Comprehensive Medical/Rx and Dental Plans

- Paid Time Off

- Paid Holidays

- Bonus Program

- Paid Bus Pass or Parking

- Job level will be determined based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.