Buyer - Procurement

Basic Function/Nature and Scope

The Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing the acquisition of materials and services needed to support projects that often operate under strict government compliance requirements. This role ensures compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other agency-specific procurement policies while supporting the organization's program and operational needs.

This position reports to the Director of Procurement and Subcontracts. The Buyer understands the complexities of federal contracting and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Essential Functions

Procurement Compliance and Contracting: Procure goods and services in compliance with FAR, DFARS, and agency-specific requirements. Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation (RFQs), evaluate bids, and award purchase orders or subcontracts. Manages the full lifecycle of assigned purchase orders-from receipt of approved purchase requisitions, sourcing and negotiation to order execution, modification and closeout. Issues CPSR-compliant purchase orders for government funded projects. Procures both commercial and non-commercial products and services to include handling pricing discussions, managing risk, and ensuring flow downs and terms and conditions are properly executed.

Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and maintain qualified suppliers; ensure supplier performance and adherence to contract requirements. Foster long-term supplier relationships and manage risk related to cost, schedule, and quality. Research market for products and services; reviews and analyzes specifications and/or statement of works. Identifies and contacts vendors regarding procurement needs, specifications, bids and prices; invites, reviews and awards bids; investigates complaints. Troubleshoot problems with vendors, merchandise or deliveries.

Cost Analysis and Negotiation: Perform price and cost analysis to ensure fair and reasonable pricing. Negotiate terms, conditions, and pricing with suppliers to maximize value and mitigate risk. Maintains quality and price standards for items purchased. Expedites delivery, billing and receiving documents.

Contract Administration: Monitor and administer contract performance, modifications, and closeouts. Maintain accurate and auditable records of all procurement activities. Supports pre-award activities such as RFQ/RFP development for both competitive and single sourced procurements, bidder evaluation, and source selection. Analyzes vendor proposals, evaluates compliance with solicitation requirements, and supports cost/price analysis. Verifies that appropriate flow down clauses, terms, and representations and certifications are included in procurement actions. Maintains electronic procurement documentation, monitors supplier performance, and supports audit readiness.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Reporting: Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., legal, finance, program managers) to ensure alignment of procurement strategies and timelines. Prepare reports and documentation for internal and external audits, reviews, and compliance checks. coordinates with internal teams to ensure specifications are clearly understood, and engages with suppliers to manage quality, delivery timelines, and pricing. Works closely with stakeholders in program management, contracts, accounting/finance, legal and quality assurance to meet project and compliance goals.

Innovation and Development: Stays abreast of current state and federal regulations and business practices related to area of assignment. Applies working knowledge of FAR, DFARS regulations and Public Law and has the judgment to support or lead supplier negotiations when needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Business, Accounting, or related field
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a purchasing, accounting, or materials management environment
• Experience with U.S. Government contracting procurement regulations (FAR, DFARS) highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Purchasing certification such as CPPB, CPPO, or CPM.