Lead Purchasing Agent

Veterans Health Administration; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 51,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Veterans Health Administration in Omaha leads a procurement team within the Logistics Service. The Lead Purchasing Agent issues, reviews, and procures prescribed items for Veterans in accordance with VHA guidelines and directs a team of Purchasing Agents to ensure timely completion of assignments.

The role requires strong knowledge of FAR/VAAR, vendor negotiations, and open market research, with open communication to medical staff and stakeholders. Position follows a standard day schedule.

Qualifications

• No educational substitution at this grade level.

Responsibilities

• Leads a team of Purchasing Agents, providing guidance on procurement issues.
• Reviews, edits, and processes purchase requests ensuring completeness and compliance.
• Administers orders and service agreements; negotiates with vendors and contractors.
• Maintains procurement records and documentation for audit and compliance.

Skills

Team leadership

Procurement

FAR/VAAR knowledge

Vendor negotiations

Purchase cards / P-Card

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Lead Purchasing Agent serves in the Logistics Service in a Nebraska Western Iowa (NWI) Veteran Affairs Health Care System (VA HCS) and supported catchment area. The incumbent is responsible for issuing, reviewing and or procuring prescribed items to Veterans in compliance with VHA guidelines and directives and leading a team of Purchasing Agents.

Key Responsibilities

Major duties include but are not limited to: Leads a team of at least three Purchasing Agents, providing guidance and direction on procurement issues. Resolves procurement and purchase order concerns independently, only escalating complex issues to supervisors when needed. Distributes and balances workloads among Purchasing Agents to ensure timely completion of assignments. Coaches and trains new and current team members in problem-solving methods and procurement procedures.

Monitors the status and progress of team assignments, making adjustments to meet organizational priorities. Reviews, edits, and processes purchase requests, ensuring completeness, compliance, and accuracy. Utilizes government purchase cards to procure equipment, supplies, and services under the micro-purchase threshold. Maintains current knowledge of and applies Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), VA Acquisition Regulations (VAAR), and other procurement laws.

Conducts open market research for routine and specialized equipment, supplies, and services. Administers orders and service agreements, representing the VA in negotiations with vendors and contractors. Prepares and maintains procurement records, reports, contract modifications, and documentation for audit and compliance purposes. Advises staff and cardholders on procurement policies, procedures, and use of automated purchasing systems.

Reconciles purchase card billing statements, validates transaction accuracy, and monitors for potential fraud or misuse. Provides clerical and administrative support, including managing records, answering phones, and generating reports for management. Communicates tactfully with medical staff, customers, vendors, and various stakeholders to resolve procurement-related issues and facilitate service delivery. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Lead Purchasing Agent/ PD99879S. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers.

This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community.

This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Requirements & Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $50964 – $66255/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-05.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.

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Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government