Director of Purchasing and Estimating

Schaeffer Homes
Director of Purchasing and Estimating
(Job Pool or Future Interest Only)
Location:
Middletown, DE

About Schaeffer Homes
For three generations, Schaeffer Homes has been a family-owned leader in the homebuilding industry, delivering quality-built, affordably priced new homes across Southern and Central New Jersey, with an expanding presence in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. We are committed to craftsmanship, customer satisfaction, and community engagement.

We're seeking a highly organized, strategic, and detail-oriented
Director of Purchasing and Estimating
to lead our procurement and estimating operations. This vital leadership role ensures we build efficiently, cost-effectively, and with the quality our customers expect, while driving continuous improvement in our processes and systems.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership

• Serve as a key member of Schaeffer Homes' small, collaborative leadership team, working directly with ownership and other senior leaders to drive the company's growth and operational excellence.
• Oversee all Pre-Construction functions, ensuring seamless integration between estimating, purchasing, design, and other departments.
• Provide strategic direction and management for the Pre-Construction team, including setting priorities, mentoring staff, and developing efficient workflows.
• Ultimately responsible for meeting the company's starts goals, ensuring homes are ready to begin construction on schedule and within budget.
• Contribute to company-wide planning and decision-making, bringing a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset to leadership discussions.

Purchasing

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with construction goals and company growth.
• Source, negotiate, and maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Track material costs, analyze budget impacts, and oversee purchase order accuracy.
• Evaluate supplier performance and ensure timely material delivery.
• Monitor market trends and cost fluctuations to adjust procurement plans.
• Lead and support Pre-Construction staff.

Estimating & Costing

• Develop detailed cost estimates by analyzing plans and specifications.
• Identify factors that could affect costs and proactively mitigate risks.
• Manage and update the construction cost database, ensuring all data is current and accurate.
• Collaborate with project management, construction, sales, and design teams to ensure estimates support project goals and timelines.
• Conduct regular audits of project costs and prepare detailed reports on findings and recommendations.
• Perform digital plan take-offs using software like Planswift or BlueBeam.
• Provide technical support and training to team members on the use of construction management software.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in purchasing, estimating, or costing within home building.
• Strong negotiation, vendor management, and cost-control skills.
• Proven track record in supply chain coordination, cost analysis, and process improvement.
• Proficiency in Excel and experience with ECI Mark Systems ERP a plus.
• Exceptional attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage large sets of data efficiently.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.

What Makes Schaeffer Homes Unique

• Financial Security: Join a financially secure, family-owned business with a solid foundation and proven track record.
• Collaborative Culture: Work directly with ownership and a close-knit team in a supportive, professional environment.
• Professional Growth: Access opportunities for career advancement within a growing regional company.
• State-of-the-Art Tools: Utilize advanced technology and software to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
• Employee Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including 401(k) with matching contributions (even if you don't participate), year-end profit-sharing, health and disability insurance, & PTO
• Recognition and Fun: Participate in quarterly and annual bonus programs, team outings, industry events, and our unique workplace culturecomplete with Zuko the Shih-Tzu, our Director of Joy.

Pay Range:
Competitive and based on experience, with performance-based bonuses. Expected range: $100,000 $130,000+ annually depending on experience.

Benefits Include

• Life Insurance
• Retirement Savings
• Medical Insurance
• 401(k) and 401(k) Matching
• Profit Sharing

Join Our Team
If you're ready for a leadership role where you can make a lasting impact, grow your career, and be part of a company that values both its employees and its customers, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to become the
Director of Purchasing and Estimating
at Schaeffer Homes