Senior Buyer

Laboratory Sciences of Arizona; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Laboratory Sciences of Arizona is looking for a skilled professional to lead advanced vendor relations and contract negotiations. This role is key in providing technical counsel and administrative support, as well as procuring complex purchases. The ideal candidate will have a background in purchasing, possess strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, and have the ability to work independently under pressure.

Successful candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, preferably with an MBA, alongside significant experience in procurement. Join us in supporting a drug-free work environment and making a positive impact in our purchasing practices.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of purchasing experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Basic computer experience with data entry and word processing.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate contracts and manage vendor relations effectively.
• Procure complicated items and manage procurement processes.
• Analyze product usage for cost savings opportunities.

Skills

Vendor relations expertise

Contract negotiation

Excel proficiency

Interpersonal skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

MBA or Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Position Summary

This position is responsible for advanced vendor relations and contract negotiations. It provides technical and expert counsel to other staff members and administrative support to senior management, procures difficult and complicated purchases, and promotes sound and ethical purchasing practices between SQL/LSA and the vendor community by developing and maintaining positive vendor relationships based on mutual respect and trust.

Core Functions

• Responsible for advanced vendor relations and contract negotiations; writes, reviews, analyzes and negotiates new and existing agreements, enhances opportunities for cost savings by promoting use of contracts and pooled purchases, and negotiates best possible pricing for off‑contract items.
• Procures difficult and complicated purchases such as major supplies agreements, prime vendor agreements, GPO participating agreements, capital equipment for projects and pooled purchases.
• Acts as a resource for product and vendor information for facilities and utilization efforts, and works closely with assigned departments to understand and meet their needs regarding product specifications and selection.
• Analyzes and evaluates product usage categories for savings by comparing contracted distributor pricing and manufacturing direct pricing, calculates and documents savings on items, identifies new opportunities for negotiated pricing, and leads procurement processes for all equipment implementation projects.
• Provides technical training to purchasing staff on all aspects of procurement and contracting, maintains procurement’s standard operating procedures, organizes files of purchase orders and requisitions, and indexes receiving documents and packing slips.
• Coordinates standardization and utilization efforts in collaboration with the contracts team and committees; requests new item and vendor setups, resolves late shipments and material quality issues, and expedites supplier deliveries when required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic computer experience including moderate skills in Excel; knowledge of data entry and word processing.
• Working knowledge of general office filing procedures.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to solve problems and obtain assistance for more complex issues.
• Ability to work under strict time constraints and manage multiple priorities.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to interface with a broad range of internal and external customers.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field and five (5) years of purchasing experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or Master’s degree.
• Capital buying and/or contract experience.
• Experience with MMIS systems.
• Additional purchasing experience, including general knowledge of purchasing procedures.

EOE Statement: EEO/Disabled/Veterans. Our organization supports a drug‑free work environment.