Senior Buyer

Basic Function/Nature and Scope

The Senior 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 position ensures that all acquisitions are conducted in compliance with applicable federal regulations, including the FAR and DFARS. The Senior Buyer plays a key role in supplier negotiations, contract administration, and strategic sourcing to support program and organizational objectives.

This position reports to the Director of Procurement and Subcontracts. The Senior Buyer understands the complexities of federal contracting and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. This position differs from Buyer by the complexity of assignments and the exercise of technical and functional coaching to other staff.

Essential Functions

1. Lead Complex Government Procurement Activities: Manage full lifecycle procurement for high-value and complex purchases in accordance with FAR/DFARS and agency-specific regulations. Develop and issue solicitations (RFQs, RFPs, IFBs), evaluate supplier responses, and make award recommendations. Research market for products and services; reviews and analyzes specifications and/or statement of work. Issues CPSR-compliant purchase orders for government funded projects.
2. Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Development: Identify and qualify suppliers capable of supporting government requirements; drive cost-saving and efficiency initiatives. Conduct supplier assessments and lead supplier improvement plans as needed. Identifies and contacts vendors regarding procurement needs, specifications, bids and prices; invites, reviews and awards bids; investigates complaints. Maintains quality and price standards for items purchased. Expedites delivery, billing and receiving documents. Troubleshoot problems with vendors, merchandise or deliveries.
3. Contract Negotiation and Administration: Negotiate favorable terms and conditions, pricing, and delivery with suppliers. Administer contracts, monitor performance, process modifications, and ensure timely closeouts. 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.
4. Risk Management and Compliance Oversight: Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. Identify procurement risks and develop mitigation strategies, support internal and external audits. 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. Maintains electronic procurement documentation, monitors supplier performance, and supports audit readiness. Assists in audit, review, and/or training of Buyers' auditable files and provides support during CPSR audits.
5. Mentorship and Cross-Functional Leadership: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior buyers or procurement staff. Collaborate with legal, finance, project management, and technical teams to align procurement strategy with program goals. 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. Receives and responds to inquiries from other employees and vendors regarding procurement policies and procedures; may provide ongoing technical support and instruction as needed.
6. Innovation and Development: Applies working knowledge of FAR, DFARS regulations and Public Law and has the judgment to support or lead supplier negotiations when needed. Stays abreast of current state and federal regulations and business practices related to area of assignment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Business, Accounting, or related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a purchasing, accounting, or materials management environment.
• Experience with U.S. Government contracting procurement regulations (FAR, DFARS).

Preferred Qualifications

• Purchasing certification such as CPPB, CPPO, or CPM.
• Subcontracts Administration and small business liaison experience.