SPECIALIST - SR. SPECIALIST - Purchasing - Compliance - Quality Control

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas is looking for a Specialist - Sr. Specialist in Purchasing - Compliance. The role involves ensuring procurement efficiency, conducting internal audits, and enhancing compliance with regulations. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree and 4 to 8 years of relevant experience, especially with government contracts. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, along with proficiency in tools like Word, Excel, and Adobe. This position offers a dynamic work environment focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 4 - 8 years of experience with Government Contracts or Subcontracts negotiation.
• Advanced knowledge of FAR, DFARS, 2 CFR 200, and single audit requirements.
• Experience with government audit practices, particularly DCAA and DCMA.
• Strong skills in verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance and enhance procurement efficiency through internal audits.
• Evaluate compliance with government policies and procedures.
• Serve as audit liaison and coordinate efforts for all audits.
• Conduct training programs focused on audit readiness.

Skills

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Problem-Solving

Organizational Skills

Presentation Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related discipline

Master's degree

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Adobe

Deltek Costpoint

TEAMs

OneNote

Job description

SPECIALIST - SR. SPECIALIST - Purchasing - Compliance - Quality Control

73-00736

Who We Are:

The Purchasing Compliance Group is SwRI Purchasing's internal procurement oversight function, dedicated to continuous assessment and improvement across the Purchasing Department. We conduct internal audits against DCMA CPSR standards, own SwRI's small business compliance program, maintain Purchasing policies and procedures, and administer SwRI's subrecipient monitoring program — ensuring SwRI remains audit-ready, regulatory compliant, and a trusted federal government contractor.

Objectives of this Role:

• Ensure compliance and enhance procurement efficiency through internal quality reviews, trend analysis, and actionable recommendations that support risk mitigation, procurement quality, and informed decision-making.
• Evaluate compliance with FAR, DFARS, 2 CFR 200, and SwRI policies by reviewing purchase order and subcontract award documentation and processes, minimizing risk and ensuring continuous audit readiness.
• Serve as audit liaison and primary point of contact for all internal and external audits, leading coordination efforts including communications, file preparation, task tracking, scheduling, and timely completion.
• Coordinate and support Purchasing Department training programs focused on audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across all buyer and subcontract administration staff.
• Administer the Purchasing Department's internal customer satisfaction survey, gathering actionable feedback on the customer experience and identifying opportunities to improve service delivery and operational excellence.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Conduct quarterly internal Purchasing quality reviews per an annual assessment plan, generating reports, analyzing trends, and presenting findings and recommendations to the management team.
• Review purchase order and subcontract award files to ensure audit readiness and adherence with FAR, DFARS, 2 CFR 200, SwRI and Department policies and procedures, and standard business practices.
• Lead all Purchasing audit efforts by coordinating deliverables, tasks, and schedules; communicating and tracking efforts; ensuring timely delivery of information; and providing procurement compliance guidance to key staff.
• Recommend, develop, coordinate, schedule, and deliver Purchasing Department training in collaboration with subject-matter experts, with a focus on audit readiness and purchasing quality improvement.
• Send the customer satisfaction survey to internal Purchasing customers monthly, analyze results, identify trends, and present findings to the management team in graphical form to support action and continuous improvement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors degree in Business or related discipline. Masters degree is a plus.
• 4 - 8 years: Experience with Government Contracts or Subcontracts negotiation, award and administration. Advanced and current experience with government requirements, primarily FAR and agency supplements. Knowledge of 2 CFR 200 and Single Audit requirements per 2CFR200 is preferred.
• 4 - 8 years: Demonstrated knowledge of government audit practices and procedures, particularly DCAA and DCMA, and Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR). Must have in-depth knowledge of compliance requirements and internal controls at all phases of contract award.
• 4 - 8 years: Demonstrated proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, TEAMs, OneNote, and Adobe. Experience with Deltek Costpoint is preferred. Applicant must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, and work under moderate supervision.
• 4 - 8 years: Must be self-motivated, organized, and able to work both independently and collaboratively. Strong presentation skills and demonstrated experience applying federal regulatory requirements and sound business practices in a compliance setting required.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here .
For benefits information at all other locations, click here .

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.