Purchasing Agent/Buyer (63655)

Adams and Associates; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Adams and Associates, Inc. is seeking a Purchasing Agent at Phoenix Job Corps to lead the center-wide purchasing function, manage contracts, and cultivate vendor relationships that support student career programming.

The role requires a customer-service mindset, strong negotiation, and compliance with procurement standards. You will collaborate with Administration, Finance, and Property teams to resolve issues and optimize purchasing operations.

Qualifications

• Experience leading contracts, subcontracts, and purchase orders.
• Familiarity with FAR is highly preferred.
• Proficient in data accuracy and government reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor purchasing staff, fostering accountability and career progression.
• Interact respectfully with students and support their programmatic needs.
• Assist Administration Director with budget tracking and resolve vendor issues in meetings.
• Prepare and manage purchase orders, subcontracts, lease and maintenance contracts; oversee bids.
• Develop a diverse vendor network including small, veteran, minority, and women-owned businesses.

Skills

Procurement

Negotiation

Vendor management

Compliance

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Degree or certification preferred

Tools

Acumatica

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join Our Leadership Team: Purchasing Agent at Phoenix Job Corps

Location: 518 S 3rd St in Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

About the Role

Are you a sharp procurement professional who thrives on negotiating great deals, managing compliance, and building community connections? We are seeking a dedicated Purchasing Agent who will lead the center-wide purchasing function, manage the lifecycle of contracts, subcontracts, and vendor relationships. Beyond the numbers, you will work in a rewarding environment where every purchase supports young adults gaining the tools they need to launch successful careers. If you are a customer service-oriented buyer with a passion for compliance and community impact, we want to hear from you.

Your Impact & Key Responsibilities

• Lead & Mentor: Supervise, train, and motivate purchasing staff (such as the Purchasing Assistant), fostering a supportive environment focused on accountability and career progression.
• Support Student Success: Interact with students respectfully, modeling excellent Career Success Standards and ensuring their programmatic needs are met.
• Collaborate: Assist the Administration Director with budget tracking and participate in weekly meetings with Finance and Property to instantly resolve vendor issues.
• Manage Contracts & Bidding: Prepare and administer purchase orders, subcontracts, lease agreements, and construction/maintenance contracts. Lead the bidding process (RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, Sole Source) from cradle to grave, preparing purchase orders, subcontracts, and lease agreements.
• Build Supplier Networks: Develop a diverse, qualified vendor list identifying small, large, Veteran, Minority, and Female suppliers, while fostering strong links with the local business community.

Why Choose Us?

We offer work in a meaningful career path with a supportive, mission-driven environment where your daily work directly helps students gain life-changing career skills. It is a unique opportunity to combine your logistical expertise with meaningful mentorship, helping the next generation build brighter futures in a stable, structured role.

Qualifications What You Bring to the Table

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required; a degree or relevant certification from an accredited training program is preferred.
• Experience: Three (3) or more years of experience including oversight of contracts, subcontracts, and familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) is highly preferred. Familiarity with Acumatica or similar software is a bonus!
• Credentials: Computer literacy and high proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite are required to manage databases and government reports.
• Skills: Superior communication, excellent problem-solving skills, and a commitment to data integrity and student success.
• Physical Ability: Capability to sit, stand, walk, lift up to 40 pounds, reach, stoop, and crouch to support center operations as needed.

"Adams and Associates, Inc. abides by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability." This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.