Purchasing Agent

VSE; Florida; On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

VSE in Florida is seeking an experienced procurement professional to manage purchasing for aviation components and related services. You will plan, source, and place orders, aiming to minimize cost and lead times while maintaining quality.

Under supervision, you will prepare RFIs/RFPs/RFQs, evaluate supplier proposals, and communicate with suppliers and internal teams. Strong negotiation, MS Office, and Lean/ERP knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required.
• 3+ years of relevant/technical purchasing experience; aviation preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication; able to interact with multiple management levels.
• Experience with planning systems and Min/Max procurement processes.
• Proven ability to negotiate price, quality, and delivery for cost savings.
• Knowledge of contract terms and ability to manage supplier relationships.
• Lean concepts and supply chain principles to drive continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, Access, and Word.

Responsibilities

• Plan and procure supplies, materials, equipment, and services.
• Under supervision, prepare RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs.
• Evaluate supplier proposals and update ERP with pricing and lead times for quotes.
• Place purchase orders and expedite as needed to support customers.
• Resolve PO issues including receiving, invoicing discrepancies, and closure.
• Liaise with suppliers and internal teams up to middle management levels.
• Receive repair orders, create work orders, and deliver to production for evaluation.
• Perform supplier performance reviews aligned with strategic objectives.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Communication

Multi-tasking

Planning

Education

Associate degree

Tools

ERP systems

MS Office (Excel, Access, Word)

Job description

SUMMARY: Responsible for procurement of assigned goods and services required to support the business. Uses best procurement practices to obtain lowest cost and best lead times for assigned items. Continuously develops relationships with strategic suppliers and OEMs.DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:Performs purchasing duties requiring necessary skills to plan and procure supplies, materials, equipment, and services.Under supervision, prepares RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs for goods and services.Evaluates supplier proposals and updates ERP system to communicate current pricing & lead time data to customer service for final quote preparation to end customer for repair.Places purchase orders for goods and services in support of the business plan.Expedites purchase orders as required to support our customers.Resolves issues pertaining to purchase orders: receiving, invoicing discrepancies and timely closure of purchase orders.Has extensive contact with suppliers.Interfaces with team members at many levels, up to and including middle management.Receiving of repair order to facility – create work order, tag, deliver to production for evaluation.Other duties as assigned.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:Associate degree3+ year of relevant/technical work experience ORAn additional 2 years of specific work experience in lieu of degree.Demonstrated high levels of verbal and written communication, human relation skills and reasoning ability.Experience with planning systems and requirement generation (Min/Max process).Ability to effectively negotiate price, quality, and delivery schedules to maximize cost savings.Superior contract negotiator with strategic purchasing skills and vision.Full understanding of the legal aspects of purchasing and the ability to negotiate and manage contractual relations.Excellent skills in multi-tasking, organization, and prioritization of multiple projects.Basic understanding of the Lean concepts and the ability to use supply chain management principles to support continuous improvement.Proficient in Microsoft Office applications especially Access, Excel, and Word.Conduct Supplier Performance review in conjunction with strategic objectives.Experience using Quantum.PREFERRED REQUIREMENTSBachelor’s degree5+ years of experience purchasing aviation components2+ years in aviation/MRO environmentOTHER (INCLUDE LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, SECURITY CLEARANCE, TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS, ETC.):The selected applicant will be subject to a background check and drug testing.