Senior Buyer

MRIGLOBAL; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

MRIGlobal is seeking a Senior Buyer to manage complex procurement activities in compliance with government regulations. This role requires strong negotiation skills and experience in U.S. Government contracting to ensure successful acquisition of materials and services. Ideal candidates will have a background in business or accounting and a proven track record in strategic sourcing and risk management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in purchasing, accounting, or materials management.
• Experience with U.S. Government contracting regulations (FAR, DFARS).

Responsibilities

• Manage full lifecycle procurement for high-value and complex purchases.
• Negotiate favorable terms and conditions with suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies.

Skills

Negotiation

Strategic Sourcing

Risk Management

Education

Associate degree in Business, Accounting, or related field

Job description

Are you passionate about making the world better? Are you looking for an organization that aligns with your values?

MRIGlobal solves challenging problems through science, engineering, and program management. We are an independent scientific research organization dedicated to benefiting society and fostering a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment.

When you embark on a career with MRIGlobal, you are joining a crew of world-class talent and problem solvers. Established in 1944, MRIGlobal is headquartered in Kansas City, MO, working in several states including Virginia and Maryland.

Basic Function/Nature and Scope

The Senior Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing the acquisition of materials and services needed to support projects that often operate under strict government compliance requirements. This position ensures that all acquisitions are conducted in compliance with applicable federal regulations, including the FAR and DFARS. The Senior Buyer plays a key role in supplier negotiations, contract administration, and strategic sourcing to support program and organizational objectives.

This position reports to the Director of Procurement and Subcontracts. The Senior Buyer understands the complexities of federal contracting and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. This position differs from Buyer by the complexity of assignments and the exercise of technical and functional coaching to other staff.

Essential Functions

1. Lead Complex Government Procurement Activities: Manage full lifecycle procurement for high-value and complex purchases in accordance with FAR/DFARS and agency-specific regulations. Develop and issue solicitations (RFQs, RFPs, IFBs), evaluate supplier responses, and make award recommendations. Research market for products and services; review and analyze specifications and/or statement of work. Issue CPSR-compliant purchase orders for government funded projects.
2. Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Development: Identify and qualify suppliers capable of supporting government requirements; drive cost-saving and efficiency initiatives. Conduct supplier assessments and lead supplier improvement plans as needed. Contact vendors regarding procurement needs, specifications, bids, and prices; review and award bids; investigate complaints. Maintain quality and price standards for items purchased. Expedite delivery, billing, and receiving documents. Troubleshoot problems with vendors, merchandise, or deliveries.
3. Contract Negotiation and Administration: Negotiate favorable terms and conditions, pricing, and delivery with suppliers. Administer contracts, monitor performance, process modifications, and ensure timely closeouts. Support pre-award activities such as RFQ/RFP development for both competitive and single sourced procurements, bidder evaluation, and source selection. Analyze vendor proposals, evaluate compliance, and support cost/price analysis. Ensure appropriate flow down clauses, terms, and certifications are included.
4. Risk Management and Compliance Oversight: Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies. Identify procurement risks, develop mitigation strategies, support audits. Procure commercial and non-commercial products/services, manage pricing, risk, and flow downs. Maintain electronic documentation, monitor performance, and support audit readiness. Assist in audit, review, and training of procurement files.
5. Mentorship and Cross-Functional Leadership: Provide guidance to junior staff. Collaborate with legal, finance, project management, and technical teams. Coordinate with internal teams to clarify specifications and engage with vendors to manage quality, delivery, and pricing. Work with stakeholders to meet project and compliance goals. Respond to inquiries regarding procurement policies and procedures.
6. Innovation and Development: Apply knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and Public Law. Stay current on regulations and practices. Support or lead supplier negotiations as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Business, Accounting, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in purchasing, accounting, or materials management.
• Experience with U.S. Government contracting regulations (FAR, DFARS).

Preferred Qualifications

• Purchasing certification such as CPPB, CPPO, or CPM.
• Experience in Subcontracts Administration and small business liaison.