Buyer IV

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

With limited direction, this position exercises considerable latitude for purchasing complex (IT) hardware, software, cloud solutions (IasS, Pass, SasS), telecommunications, cyber solutions, and professional services required to support contract(s), and internal business operation(s). May participate in the development of policies and procedures for purchasing while monitoring purchasing procedures and standards to ensure necessary regulatory compliance.

Provides leadership in proposal reviews and conducts major procurement negotiations. Validates purchase requisitions, selects or recommends suppliers, develops and solicits bids, analyzes and evaluates responses, negotiates prices and other terms, monitors delivery, approves payment, and maintains necessary records. Acts as a resource for available or potential suppliers and reviews and evaluates their operations to validate cost, quality, reliability, and ability to meet schedule and budgetary requirements.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides leadership in ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures and applicable regulations (as applicable).
• Compiles and analyzes statistical data to determine feasibility of buying products and to establish price objectives. Identifies, develops and selects qualified suppliers. Evaluates supplier reliability.
• Recommends changes/updates in purchasing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Oversees competitive and sole source procurements to meet required purchase dates and prepares required support documentation.
• Conducts major procurement negotiations involving agreements on terms and conditions as well as prices and schedules.
• Participates in cost and pricing reviews with program management and customers.
• Reviews and analyzes suppliers' bids. Performs cost and/or price analysis.
• Follows up, expedites, and negotiates changes relative to delivery and supplier performance.
• Maintains professional relationship with internal and external customers and suppliers.
• Represents the organization as the primary purchasing contact on assigned contracts/subcontracts. Makes presentations as required.
• Provides guidance to less experienced professional purchasing and support staff.
• Participates in the selection, development, and training of purchasing staff.
• Manages IT vendor relationships, including OEMs, value-added (VARs), cloud service providers, and managed service providers, to ensure competitive pricing and high service levels.
• Reviews and negotiates IT-related terms and conditions (e.g., software license metrics, subscription terms, service level agreements, data security and privacy clauses, support and maintenance, and renewal term) in coordination with internal business operation(s).
• Supports software asset management and IT asset lifecycle processes by ensuring accurate purchasing data and documentation are maintained.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices. Additional Functions Other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in business administration or related discipline along with ten or more years of progressive professional purchasing experience. Equivalent professional purchasing experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• The ability to provide innovative solutions to a range of complex purchasing problems.
• Must have a thorough understanding of purchasing concepts and principles, FAR and related governmental rules and regulations; and experience demonstrating a broad application of those principles, concepts, and practices.

Must be customer focused and have:

• Strong communication and presentation skills to accurately document and report findings and communicate new concepts to a variety of audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to influence and guide employees, managers, and customers.
• The ability to organize, schedule and coordinate multiple work phases.
• The ability to lead less experienced purchasing staff on projects.
• Collaborates closely with IT, and end-user stakeholders to understand requirements, develop sourcing strategies, and ensure that IT acquisitions meet technical, schedule and budget objectives.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with ERP purchasing modules (SAP preferred), Microsoft Office tools, and collaboration platforms. Experience with contract management tools is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential as is the ability to work extended hours as required.
• Travel may be required.