Purchasing Agent (USI4)

VSE; Florida; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

VSE is seeking a procurement professional to support our aviation components supply chain. The role requires planning, issuing RFIs/RFPs/RFQs, evaluating supplier proposals, and placing purchase orders to meet business needs.

You will communicate with suppliers and internal teams, ensuring optimal lead times, pricing, and delivery. A background in lean supply chain and contract negotiation is valued.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant work experience, or 5+ years if no degree.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with planning systems and requirement generation.
• Ability to effectively negotiate price, quality and delivery.
• Understanding of legal aspects of purchasing and contracts.
• Lean concepts and continuous improvement in supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Procures supplies, materials, equipment, and services for the business.
• Prepare RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs under supervision.
• Evaluate supplier proposals and update ERP with pricing and lead times.
• Place and expedite purchase orders; resolve PO issues.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews aligned with strategic goals.
• Interacts with cross-functional teams at multiple levels.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Vendor management

Communication skills

Planning systems

Analytical ability

Lean principles

MS Office

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Access

Excel

Word

Quantum

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.