Buyer I (3 positions) - PHX

Buyer I (Location: Phoenix, AZ area) Job Summary: As a Buyer, you will be responsible for procuring goods and services necessary to support the mission. You will collaborate with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and contractors to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of materials, equipment, and services. The role requires strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of federal procurement regulations. Role Focus: Buyer I will support core purchasing execution with emphasis on PO placement, Return?to?Vendor processing, and expedite management to ensure material availability. *Required Experience: • 2–5 years purchasing/buying experience. • Experience with FAR, DFARS, and rated orders. • Strong ERP/MRP experience. • Familiarity with CPSR documentation/packages. Key Activities: • Place and maintain purchase orders in ERP. • Manage expedites and supplier follow?up to protect production schedules. • Process Return?to?Vendor transactions. • Resolve basic invoice, receipt, and supplier discrepancies. • Communicate with suppliers and internal teams to support material flow. Key Responsibilities: Procurement Planning: Collaborate with program managers and other stakeholders to develop procurement strategies, determine requirements, and establish procurement timelines. Solicitation Development: Prepare and issue solicitations, such as Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotations (RFQs), and Requests for Information (RFIs), ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and policies. Supplier Evaluation and Selection: Evaluate supplier capabilities, qualifications, and past performance to make informed decisions regarding supplier selection. Conduct supplier visits, negotiations, and perform cost and price analysis. Contract Negotiation: Negotiate terms, conditions, and pricing with suppliers to ensure fair and favorable contracts for the DoD. Ensure compliance with federal acquisition regulations and ethics guidelines. Contract Administration: Monitor contract performance, deliverables, and compliance with terms and conditions. Address any issues or disputes that arise during the contract period. Supplier Relationship Management: Foster positive relationships with suppliers, contractors, and other external partners to facilitate effective communication, resolve issues, and drive continuous improvement. Compliance and Documentation: Ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and policies throughout the procurement process. Maintain accurate records, documentation, and files in accordance with established guidelines. Financial Analysis: Perform cost and price analysis to determine the reasonableness and affordability of proposed prices. Monitor budget allocations and expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility. Collaboration and Reporting: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including finance, legal, and program management, to support the acquisition process. Generate reports, presentations, and briefings to communicate procurement status and findings Market Research: Stay updated on market trends, emerging technologies, and industry best practices to identify potential suppliers and opportunities for innovation. Qualifications and Requirements: *Required Experience: • 2–5 years purchasing/buying experience. • Experience with FAR, DFARS, and rated orders. • Strong ERP/MRP experience. • Familiarity with CPSR documentation/packages. *Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., Certified Professional in Supply Management, Certified Federal Contracts Manager) may be preferred. *Knowledge of federal procurement regulations and policies, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) guidelines. *Experience in procurement or purchasing roles, preferably within the government or Defense industry. *Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills. *Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. *Attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. *Proficiency in using procurement and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Key Experience to perform the following Activities: • Place and maintain purchase orders in ERP. • Manage expedites and supplier follow?up to protect production schedules. • Process Return?to?Vendor transactions. • Resolve basic invoice, receipt, and supplier discrepancies. • Communicate with suppliers and internal teams to support material flow.