Senior Buyer

Overview

Under minimal supervision and in accordance with IDA policies and procedures, this position provides administrative and technical assistance in support of the procurement function at IDA. This position provides advice and guidance to junior positions in the Purchasing Department.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the purchase of items, materials, and services of a technical and specialized nature.
• Manages the consultant agreements from proposal development through close-out. Required to negotiate consultant agreement language, pricing, terms and conditions, deliverables, and schedules. Prepares and documents cost/price analyses, representations and certifications, and ensures applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS) flow-down clauses are included in agreements.
• Applies advanced knowledge of procurement practices in the review of procurement documentation, including those prepared by Buyers, and approves all purchase orders consistent with approved signature authority. Ensures documentation is compliant with applicable FARs, DFARS, and IDA Procurement Policies and Procedures.
• Prepares Requests for Quotations (RFQs) and Proposals (RFPs), detailing specifics of requirements; evaluates responses for compliance, interpreting specifications such as detail and technical terms or properties to ensure that required configurations or services can be met. May guide Buyers in preparation of RFQs and RFPs.
• Develops reliable sources of supply and compiles cost and quality comparisons of items, materials or services; prepares market surveys/analysis and provides recommendations based on findings concerning product quality, available vendors, cost effectiveness and delivery terms. Stays abreast of market product development in order to locate new sources of supply and considers vendor socio-economic classifications to assist corporate efforts in meeting small business goals.
• Selects and guides Buyers to obtain qualified vendors to meet complex procurement requirements; reviews vendor status in terms of inventory and access to special order items, competitiveness and reliability; obtains competitive pricing; negotiates pricing and terms and conditions.
• Leads the review of procurements that require Headquarters and government contracting officer approval. Ensures that file documentation is accurate and complete according to IDA Procurement Policies and Procedures and applicable FARs and DFARS. Coordinates contracting officer approval, providing detailed knowledge of procurements as necessary to obtain contracting officer approval.
• May act as the Small Business Liaison Officer for the corporate Small Business Program. Assures subcontracting methods that allow fair and equitable opportunity to SB, SDB, VOSB, SD-VOSB, HUBZone and WOSB firms. Analyzes data and prepares required reports, detailing plan progress bi-annually and annually to executive level management as well as to government sources.
• Analyzes Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) data and reports applicable procurement actions to government sources.
• Prepares for various government audits to include Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR). Compiles data and generates reports detailing the activities of the purchasing department.
• Interfaces with division points of contact to provide guidance and solutions to satisfy procurement requirements.
• Continuously seeks procurement knowledge of best practices to ensure IDA's procurement posture keeps pace with industry standards and IDA management expectations. Participates actively in business modernization efforts to improve and streamline procurement processes.
• Keeps the manager abreast of departmental issues.

• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business with six years progressively responsible work experience in purchasing and negotiation procedures with defense contractors; or equivalent work experience.
• Extensive Knowledge of FARs and DFARS as they apply to government contractors.
• Ability to analyze data using price trend analysis and cost factoring and to apply results to current market and proposals.
• Skilled in negotiating purchase orders to achieve favorable terms and pricing
• Computer experience with software such as MS Excel, MS Word, as well as other Microsoft applications, and Deltek Costpoint. Familiarity with automated reporting tools is also desirable.
• Ability to work under pressure of deadlines and deal with all levels of staff and management with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels of personnel.
• Ability to obtain and maintain necessary security clearance.
• US citizenship is required

• Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.

Why work at IDA?

• Competitive salary and benefits, including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, 6 weeks 100% paid parental leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.
• Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our Nation's warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL).
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
• A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks through flex time, partial telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.
• Located in Alexandria's high-tech corridor, IDA's brand new Potomac Yard facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, workspaces and amenities, including a cafeteria, grab-n-go cafe and gym.
• Easy access to local dining and shopping, the Potomac Yard Metro stop and the Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $300/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.

Compensation

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $81,475 - $130,360. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.