Preconstruction Procurement Specialist

Responsibilities

The Preconstruction Procurement Specialist sources and evaluates material pricing for fiber and communications infrastructure projects to ensure competitive bids. They manage supplier relationships, negotiate quotes, and coordinate with internal teams to transition procurement data to operations post-award.

Requirements

Candidates should have experience in procurement, purchasing, or estimating, preferably within the fiber, broadband, or utility construction sectors. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to interpret technical bills of materials and project specifications are required.

Skills

• Procurement
• Estimating
• Material Sourcing
• Fiber Optic Infrastructure
• Broadband Construction
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Quote Analysis
• Microsoft Excel
• Cost Analysis
• Supply Chain Management
• Bid Development
• Contract Negotiation
• Inventory Planning
• Project Coordination
• Market Intelligence
• Risk Management

About this role

Position Summary

The Preconstruction Procurement Specialist supports UniTek’s Preconstruction &
Estimating function by sourcing, evaluating, and coordinating pre-award material
pricing and supplier information for fiber, broadband, wireless, and related
communications infrastructure construction opportunities.

Working closely with the VP of Preconstruction & Estimating, Senior Bid &
Estimating Manager, VP of Strategic Partnerships, Business Development, and
Operations, this position helps ensure bids reflect competitive material costs,
current supplier pricing, product availability, lead times, and project
requirements.

The Preconstruction Procurement Specialist develops supplier relationships,
obtains and compares quotes, identifies cost-saving opportunities, and provides
reliable material pricing inputs to support accurate and competitive bids. The
position also supports procurement planning and the transition of material
pricing assumptions and supplier information to Operations following project
award.

Key Responsibilities

Material Sourcing and Pricing

* Obtain, evaluate, and compare supplier and manufacturer quotes based on
project scope, prints, bills of materials, specifications, and bid
requirements.
* Develop material cost inputs for estimates and bids, including quantities,
unit pricing, freight, lead times, quote validity, and applicable contract
terms.
* Identify opportunities for competitive pricing, volume discounts, preferred
supplier arrangements, and cost savings.
* Verify that proposed materials align with project specifications and customer
requirements, escalating substitutions or exceptions for approval.
* Provide accurate and timely pricing information and supporting documentation
to the Senior Bid & Estimating Manager and VP of Preconstruction &
Estimating.
* Identify material cost fluctuations, availability concerns, and supply
constraints that may affect bid competitiveness or project feasibility.

Materials and Product Categories

* Coordinate sourcing and pricing for materials used in fiber and
communications infrastructure construction, including:
* Fiber optic cable, including feeder, distribution, and drop cable.
* Splice closures, splice trays, fiber distribution hubs, terminals, splitters,
and related equipment.
* Pedestals, handholes, vaults, underground enclosures, conduit, innerduct,
HDPE duct, and microduct.
* Aerial strand, anchors, guy wire, poles, and attachment hardware.
* Connectors, pigtails, patch panels, fiber distribution panels, and
accessories.
* Project-specific construction consumables, specialized tools, and safety
supplies required for estimating and bid development.
* Materials supporting FTTH, broadband, wireless, and other communications
infrastructure projects as required by the opportunity.

Supplier Relationships and Procurement Partnerships

* Establish and maintain relationships with manufacturers, distributors, and
material suppliers in coordination with the VP of Preconstruction &
Estimating and VP of Strategic Partnerships.
* Provide supplier pricing, product, availability, and market information to
support the development of preferred supplier agreements and strategic
procurement partnerships.
* Request and negotiate quotes, lead times, freight charges, quote validity,
and purchasing terms within delegated authority.
* Evaluate suppliers based on pricing, availability, product quality,
reliability, and responsiveness.
* Identify alternative suppliers and sourcing strategies to reduce material
shortages, cost exposure, and schedule risk.
* Resolve quote discrepancies and follow up on incomplete supplier information.
* Provide supplier and market intelligence to support broader procurement
strategy and partnership development.

Cross-Functional Coordination

* Work with the Senior Bid & Estimating Manager to meet bid schedules and
material pricing requirements.
* Collaborate with the VP of Preconstruction & Estimating to support pricing
strategy, sourcing decisions, and material cost analysis.
* Coordinate with the VP of Strategic Partnerships on supplier relationships
and procurement partnership opportunities.
* Work with Business Development to understand customer requirements,
opportunity scope, and anticipated project needs.
* Collaborate with Operations to validate material assumptions, availability,
lead times, and project-specific requirements.
* Communicate material pricing changes, supply constraints, and other risks
that may affect bid pricing or execution.
* Following award, support the transition of supplier quotes, material
assumptions, and sourcing information to Operations and the designated
purchasing or logistics personnel.

Pricing Records and Reporting

* Maintain organized supplier quotes, pricing files, quote comparisons,
lead-time information, and relevant supplier documentation.
* Track quote status, validity periods, exclusions, freight charges, and
assumptions affecting bid pricing.
* Prepare material cost comparisons, sourcing summaries, and procurement
updates for the VP of Preconstruction & Estimating.
* Support historical material pricing analysis and post-bid reviews where
information is available.
* Maintain documentation in accordance with company procedures and approval
requirements.
* Ensure material pricing information is sufficiently detailed and current to
support accurate estimating and management decisions.

Quality, Compliance, and Risk Management

* Confirm supplier quotes reflect required specifications and applicable
customer material standards.
* Identify certification, warranty, product approval, or other documentation
requirements.
* Document supplier assumptions, exclusions, substitutions, and commitments.
* Escalate material availability concerns, supplier performance issues, and
potential cost or schedul...

About UniTek USA

Telecommunications · 501-1,000 employees