Senior Buyer

Advanced Purchasing Specialist

This position is responsible for advanced vendor relations and contract negotiations. Provides technical and expert counsel to other staff members. In addition, this position provides administrative support to senior management, procures difficult and complicated purchases. Promotes sound and ethical purchasing practices between SQL/LSA and the vendor community by developing and maintaining positive vendor relationships based on mutual respect and trust.

Core Functions

• Responsible for advanced vendor relations, contract negotiations. Writes, reviews, analyzes and negotiates new and existing agreements. Enhances opportunities for cost savings by promoting use of contracts and pooled purchases. Maintains the integrity of the information contained in all data files. Negotiates best possible pricing for off-contract items.
• Procures difficult and complicated purchases, such as major supplies agreements, prime vendor agreements, GPO participating agreements, capital equipment for projects and pooled purchases.
• Is a resource for product and vendor information for the facilities and utilization efforts. Is a source for products and suppliers. Works closely with assigned departments to understand and meet their needs regarding product specifications and selection.
• Analyzes and evaluates product usage categories for savings, comparing contracted distributor pricing and manufacturing direct pricing. Calculates and documents savings on items as appropriate. Identifies new opportunities for items on which to seek negotiated pricing. Leads procurement process for all equipment implementation projects. Leads and monitors Procurement projects.
• Provides technical training to purchasing staff concerning all aspects of procurement and contracting. Maintains Procurement's Standard Operation Procedures. Maintains organized files of Purchase Orders and requisitions per document retention guidelines. Indexes receiving documents and packing slips so that images are easily retrieved and readable.
• Coordinates standardization and utilization efforts in collaboration with the Contracts team and committees as assigned. Requests new item and vendor setups as appropriate, ensuring that proper product information is entered and no duplications exist. Resolves late shipments from suppliers, material quality issues and expedites supplier deliveries if required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Basic computer experience including moderate skills in Excel.
• Knowledge of data entry and word processing.
• Working knowledge of general office filing procedures.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to solve problems and obtain assistance to resolve more complex problems.
• Ability to work under strict time constraints and manage multiple priorities.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to interface with a broad range of internal and external customers.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field and five (5) years' purchasing experience or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA/Master's Degree. Capital buying and/or contract experience.
• Experience with MMIS systems.
• Additional purchasing experience including general knowledge of purchasing procedures.