Based in St. Louis, Core & Main is a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure™ with local service, nationwide®. As a specialty distributor with a focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products and related services, Core & Main provides solutions to municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors across municipal, non-residential and residential end markets, nationwide. With over 370 locations across the U.S., the company provides its customers local expertise backed by a national supply chain. Core & Main’s 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and reliable infrastructure. Visit coreandmain.com to learn more.

Job Summary – Buyer (Purchasing) UPSCO

UPSCO, headquartered in Moravia, NY, is a leading manufacturer and fabricator of gas distribution products serving utility companies across the United States. Rather than producing the gas meters themselves, UPSCO engineers and fabricates complete meter set assemblies using valves, fittings, and other high-quality components. Every utility has unique specifications based on their infrastructure, and UPSCO’s estimation and procurement teams work closely with suppliers to deliver meter sets that meet those requirements. As the largest supplier in the Northeast and with expansion into the Rockies and beyond, UPSCO plays a critical role in providing utilities with reliable, compliant, and cost-effective solutions.

We are seeking an experienced Buyer to join the Purchasing team. Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, this role will be responsible for sourcing and procuring a high volume of materials (pipe, fittings, valves, and related components) from a diverse vendor base of 70–100 suppliers, both domestic and international. The Buyer will ensure that all purchasing activities balance cost, delivery, and quality while navigating the challenges of tariffs, international shipping, and a highly competitive supplier market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Purchase and negotiate materials, equipment, and supplies in alignment with project specifications and utility requirements.
• Evaluate vendor quotes, lead times, and services to select the most competitive and reliable suppliers.
• Manage a high volume of SKUs across multiple product lines.
• Coordinate flow of materials from vendor to UPSCO and ultimately to customers nationwide.
• Monitor open orders, ensure accuracy of purchasing reports, and update pricing and delivery schedules.
• Partner with estimation, sales, and operations teams to ensure seamless order execution.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to expand domestic sourcing and mitigate tariff impacts.

Qualifications:

• 3–5 years of purchasing experience within a manufacturing environment (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or similar industries preferred).
• Proven ability to manage a large vendor portfolio and high SKU counts.
• Technically astute with strong analytical and negotiation skills.
• Experience working with computer-based inventory management systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.

Location & Work Environment:

• UPSCO’s main office is in Moravia, NY.
• Candidates may reside in Syracuse, Binghamton, or Rochester, with flexibility to work remotely and commute to the office once per week (less frequently during inclement winter weather).

Pay: $50,000-60,000

Core & Main is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment at Core & Main is based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence.  Core & Main does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship, or any other basis protected by law.

None of the questions in this application are intended to elicit information regarding any protected characteristics, nor imply any limitation, illegal preferences or discrimination based upon non-job-related information or protected characteristics.

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