Procurement Representative (Buyer)

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 58,700 - 146,300; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Procurement Representative (Buyer) to solicit proposals, analyze quotes, negotiate pricing and terms, and issue commercial purchase orders for goods and services in support of APL programs.

The role requires collaboration with suppliers, program offices, and procurement leadership to ensure procurements are completed efficiently and in compliance with FAR regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of procurement/contracting experience including sourcing strategy, negotiation, and supplier management.
• Knowledge of procurement principles including sourcing, negotiation, and PO/contract administration.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Review purchase requirements, solicit quotes, perform price analysis, and negotiate pricing and standard terms before issuing purchase orders.
• Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers and support competitive sourcing efforts.
• Determine procurement approach with requestors and program teams, including solicitation method and agreement structure.
• Prepare procurement documentation and maintain electronic files in SharePoint and Oracle per FAR regulations.
• Communicate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve delivery, invoicing, or order issues.

Skills

Negotiation

Market research

Price analysis

Supplier management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/Supply Chain

Tools

SharePoint

Oracle

ServiceNow

Adobe Portfolio

EBSS

Job description

Description

Are you a good negotiator?

Do you love working in a fast-paced environment?

Do you want to be part of a team that supports work with a national impact?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Procurement Representative (Buyer) to help solicit proposals, perform market research, negotiate pricing and terms, and award and administer commercial purchase orders for goods and services in support of APL programs. This role requires close collaboration with suppliers, program offices, and procurement leadership to ensure procurements are completed efficiently and in compliance with laboratory policies and procedures. Expediting deliveries, resolving order issues, and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders are essential aspects of this position.

Our team operates in a highly dynamic environment, and we are always looking for individuals with strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and creative problem-solving abilities.

As a Procurement Representative (Buyer)...

• Your primary responsibility will be to review incoming purchase requirements, solicit and evaluate quotes, perform price analysis, and negotiate pricing and standard terms before issuing commercial purchase orders
• You will conduct market research to identify potential suppliers and support competitive sourcing efforts
• You will work with requestors and program teams to determine the most appropriate procurement approach, including solicitation method and agreement structure
• You will prepare procurement documentation and maintain organized electronic procurement files in systems such as SharePoint and Oracle in accordance with FAR regulations
• You will communicate regularly with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve delivery, invoicing, or order issues and ensure timely performance
• You will collaborate closely with other procurement staff and leadership to resolve procurement challenges and ensure compliance with APL procurement policies and procedures

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you …

• Have a Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.

• Have five (6) or more years of progressively responsible professional experience in procurement or contracting, including responsibilities such as sourcing strategy, solicitation development, negotiation, contract formation, and supplier management.

• Have demonstrated knowledge of procurement principles, including sourcing, negotiation, supplier management, and purchase order/contract administration.

• Have strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and suppliers.

• Have an ability to work both independently and as part of a team while exercising sound judgment and attention to detail.

• Have a demonstrated ability to analyze information, solve problems, and make informed procurement recommendations.

• Are able to ultimately obtain a Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• Have experience with SharePoint (for document routing and storage), ServiceNow (as an intake and communication system), Adobe Portfolio, and/or Oracle-based business systems (EBSS)
• Have experience procuring commercial goods and services in under the Federal Acquisition Regulations

#LI-KW1

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$58,700 Annually

Maximum Rate

$146,300 Annually