Designated Procurement Representative (Vendor Liaison Specialist 1/2)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a Vendor Liaison Specialist (VLS) 1 or 2 to support procurement, tracking, and delivery of project materials for institutional work. The role requires independent judgment and the ability to collaborate with internal teams and external vendors.

The successful candidate will manage RFQs, orders, and delivery milestones, ensuring compliance with LANL procurement standards and quality policies.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree or equivalent for Vendor Liaison Specialist 1.
• Bachelor's Degree and 5+ years experience for Vendor Liaison Specialist 2, or equivalent.
• Proven ability to prepare procurement documents and ensure quality compliance.
• Experience with procurement policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Track material from request to delivery.
• Prepare and review procurement documents (specifications, quotations, quality documents).
• Coordinate with technical requesters, subcontractors and internal teams.
• Work independently and as part of a team and resolve complex material issues.
• Maintain reliability via timely task completion and follow-through.

Skills

Independent judgment

Procurement knowledge

Customer service

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Inventory control

Education

Associate's Degree in business/related field

Bachelor's Degree + 5+ years experience

Tools

Ariba

SAP

Oracle/ERP systems

Material tracking software

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Visio)

Job description

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either Vendor Liaison Specialist 1 or Vendor Liaison Specialist 2, depending on the skills of the selected candidate(s). Come join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. The work we do at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) matters to our country and the world!

The Procurement Engineering & Acquisition Management Group within the Supply Chain & Logistics (SCL) Division is seeking highly motivated and customer focused individuals to join our team as a Vendor Liaison Specialist (VLS) 1 or 2. The selected candidate will support the acquisition, coordination, tracking, and delivery of project and design materials needed to execute institutional and programmatic work at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

The successful candidate will use independent judgment and initiative to prepare and review procurement related documents (i.e., specifications, quotations, and quality documents), and will comply with strict industry practices, policies, and procedures specifically relating to procurement and quality. They will also demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a cohesive team. One will conduct research and resolve complex material issues independently and collaboratively, ensuring milestones are delivered timely and compliantly.

This position will serve as a liaison between technical requesters, subcontractors, and various internal organizations including Acquisition Services Management Division, Institutional Quality & Performance Assurance Division, and others, and will track material from request received, through RFQ, order awarded, and up to delivery.

Salary Range: While the posted salary range for this position is broad, it is highly unusual for selected applicants to be hired at the top end of the range and more common for selected candidates to grow into the full salary band over time.

• Vendor Liaison Specialist 1 Salary Range: $66,100 to $103,600
• Vendor Liaison Specialist 2 Salary Range: $80,400 to $127,900

#shiftwork

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements: Applicants must submit a comprehensive resume reflective of relevant experience that addresses the minimum job requirements and desired qualifications of the position below for full consideration.

• Education/Experience for the Vendor Liaison Specialist 1: Position requires an Associate's Degree from an accredited institution; or, equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.
• Education/Experience for the Vendor Liaison Specialist 2: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant area from an accredited institution and a minimum of 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Functionality:
  • Proven record of using independent judgment and initiative to prepare and review procurement related documents (i.e., specifications, quotations, and quality documents).
  • The demonstrated ability to comply with industry practices, policies, and procedures specifically relating to procurement and quality.
  • The demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a cohesive team.
  • Proven ability to conduct research and resolve complex material issues independently and collaboratively.
  • Thorough experience and skill in identifying problem areas, investigating alternative solutions, and determining action to be performed on problems affecting procurements, maintenance, and site services subcontract management.
  • A proven record of reliability; can maintain consistent participation, promptness, and follow through on assigned tasks.
• Computing/Business Systems:
  • Advanced computer skills.
  • Demonstrated proficient experience with Inventory Control and Material Tracking systems.
  • Proficiency in various software suites (e.g., Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, Access, and Visio).
• Customer Service:
  • Exceptional customer service skills.
  • The ability to provide clear, concise support and guidance to others in sometimes stressful situations.
  • Experience interacting professionally with all types of personnel, including external interfaces and executive management.
  • The ability to collaborate effectively with team members and contribute to a positive team environment.
• Communication:
  • Proven ability to provide clear, concise guidance to varied audiences.
  • Experience interacting professionally with all types of personnel, including external vendors and executive management.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills; the ability to build and maintain positive relationships.
• Organizational Skills:
  • Possess high attention to detail; excellent organizational skills, analytical thinking, observational skills, and problem-solving skills all to include high accuracy.
  • Proven ability to multitask and adjust to the workings of a dynamic and cohesive fast paced team environment.

Qualifications We Desire:

• Vendor Liaison Specialist 1:
  • An Associate's Degree in business administration, supply chain management, procurement, logistics, project management, or information systems.
  • Experience supporting procurement, purchasing, material management, supply chain, logistics, construction, engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, or project execution.
  • Experience working directly with suppliers, technical customers, project personnel, and cross functional organizations.
  • Experience with Ariba, SAP, Oracle, enterprise resource planning systems, procurement systems, or comparable material tracking applications.
  • Familiarity with catalog and non-catalog purchasing processes, requests for quotation, purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and procurement documentation.
  • Experience researching suppliers, requesting quotations, comparing pricing and lead times, and tracking supplier commitments.
  • Experience maintaining material status from initial request through ordering