Procurement Engineer

Job Description

Job Description – Buyer, Solar EPCPositionBuyer – Solar EPC / Renewable EnergyDepartmentSupply Chain Management / ProcurementReporting ToProcurement Manager / SCM Manager / Head – SCMLocationProject Office / Corporate Office1. Role PurposeThe Buyer will be responsible for end-to-end procurement execution for assigned materials and services for Solar EPC projects, ensuring timely availability at project sites while achieving the required cost, quality, delivery, and commercial objectives.The role involves coordination with Engineering, Projects, Quality, Logistics, Finance, Commercial and Vendors to ensure smooth procurement from Purchase Requisition (PR) to delivery at site.2. Key ResponsibilitiesA. Procurement & BuyingReceive and review Purchase Requisitions (PRs) from Project/Engineering teams.Understand technical specifications, BOQ, approved makes and project requirements.Identify suitable suppliers from the approved vendor base and market.Float RFQs/RFIs, obtain and evaluate quotations.Prepare commercial comparison statements and negotiate with suppliers.Obtain necessary approvals as per the Delegation of Authority (DOA).Release Purchase Orders (POs)/Work Orders (WOs).Ensure PO terms accurately capture specifications, quantity, price, delivery schedule, payment terms, warranty, LD, taxes and other commercial conditions.Conduct price benchmarking and maintain market intelligence for key commodities.Support cost reduction and value engineering initiatives.B. Vendor ManagementDevelop and maintain relationships with existing and potential suppliers.Coordinate vendor registration/pre-qualification wherever required.Monitor supplier performance on cost, quality and delivery.Resolve commercial and supply-related issues with vendors.Coordinate with Quality for vendor inspection, FAT and documentation.Escalate critical vendor delays and risks to the Procurement/SCM Manager.C. Expediting & DeliveryTrack material manufacturing and dispatch schedules against PO commitments.Coordinate with vendors and project teams to ensure on-time delivery at site.Follow up for inspection clearance, dispatch documents and transportation arrangements.Monitor delays, shortages and deviations.Coordinate with Logistics for dispatch, transportation and site delivery.Maintain an updated procurement/delivery tracker.D. Commercial & Contractual ActivitiesNegotiate commercial terms including:Basic priceTaxes and dutiesFreightPayment termsCredit periodDelivery termsWarrantyLiquidated damagesPrice validityEscalation/de-escalation clausesVerify vendor invoices against PO terms and delivery documentation.Coordinate with Finance for payment-related issues.Handle PO amendments, quantity changes, price revisions and commercial claims.Support resolution of debit notes, credit notes, LD and other contractual matters.E. Project CoordinationWork closely with:Engineering – technical specifications and approved makesProject/Construction – site requirements and delivery prioritiesQuality – inspection and quality documentationLogistics – transportation and dispatchPlanning – procurement schedules and project milestonesFinance – payment and vendor reconciliationCommercial/Contracts – contractual and claim-related matters3. Solar EPC Procurement ScopeThe Buyer may handle procurement of materials/services such as:Solar PV:PV ModulesSolar CellsInvertersDC/AC CablesHT/LT CablesJunction/Combiner BoxesTransformersRMUsSwitchgearSCADA/Communication systemsEarthing and Lightning ProtectionBalance of System:Module Mounting StructuresTrackersFastenersCable TraysFencingRoads and Civil materialsLightingAuxiliary systemsBESS / Hybrid Projects, where applicable:Battery systemsPCSBESS containersHVACFire Fighting systemsEMS/SCADATransformers and switchgear4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)The Buyer will typically be measured on:On-time delivery / OTIFProcurement cycle timePurchase price variance / cost savingsBudget adherenceVendor performanceReduction in procurement lead timePO accuracyNumber of critical material delaysInventory optimizationCommercial savings through negotiationCompliance with procurement proceduresResolution time for vendor issues5. QualificationsEducation:B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Electronics or related engineering disciplineOR MBA/PGDM in Supply Chain/Procurement/OperationsDiploma/Graduate candidates with relevant procurement experience may also be considered.ExperienceTypically 3–8 years of experience in:Procurement / PurchaseSupply Chain ManagementSolar EPCRenewable EnergyPower/Electrical EPCInfrastructure EPCManufacturing procurementExperience in utility-scale solar projects will be preferred.6. Required SkillsTechnical/Procurement SkillsProcurement and sourcingRFQ/RFP managementCommercial bid evaluationPrice negotiationVendor developmentContract/PO managementCost analysisExpeditingSupply-chain planningMarket intelligenceBasic understanding of solar EPC materialsSoftware SkillsMS Excel – VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, basic data analysisPowerPoint and MS WordProcurement dashboards and trackersBehavioural SkillsStrong negotiation skillsCommercial acumenVendor managementCommunication and coordinationAnalytical thinkingOwnership and accountabilityAbility to work under project deadlinesProblem-solving and decision-making7. Ideal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate should be able to independently manage the procurement cycle from:PR → RFQ → Technical Clarification → Commercial Evaluation → Negotiation → Approval → PO → Manufacturing Follow-up → Inspection → Dispatch → Site Delivery → Invoice/Payment ClosureThe candidate should have a project-oriented mindset, strong commercial understanding and the ability to handle multiple procurement packages simultaneously.Key CompetenciesCost | Quality | Delivery | Commercial | Vendor Management | Expediting | Project Coordination