Technical Purchasing Agent - New College Graduate

RippleMatch Inc.; Tysons (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

RippleMatch Inc. is seeking a Procurement Specialist in Tysons, Virginia. This role involves defining technical requirements, sourcing and qualifying suppliers, drafting RFPs, and negotiating contracts. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and strong knowledge of procurement processes. Excellent communication and negotiation skills are essential. The position offers the opportunity to work closely with technical teams and ensures compliance with industry standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in supply chain management, business administration, engineering, or similar discipline.
• Strong knowledge of procurement processes, supplier management, and contract negotiation.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with technical teams to understand specifications and requirements.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers based on technical capability.
• Conduct supplier assessments and site visits as necessary.
• Develop and issue detailed RFPs or RFQs to qualified suppliers.
• Engage in negotiations with suppliers to secure the best terms.

Skills

Procurement processes

Supplier management

Contract negotiation

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration, engineering, or similar discipline

Tools

Procurement software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Defining Requirements

• Collaborate with technical teams to understand and document the technical specifications and requirements for equipment, materials, and services.
• Ensure all requirements are clearly defined, accurate, and comprehensive.

Sourcing Suppliers

• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers based on technical capability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Maintain a database of qualified suppliers and keep it up-to-date with relevant information.

Qualifying Suppliers

• Conduct thorough assessments of potential suppliers, including capability, quality control, and compliance with industry standards.
• Perform site visits and audits as necessary.

Creating RFPs/RFQs

• Develop and issue detailed RFPs or RFQs to qualified suppliers.
• Ensure that all RFPs/RFQs include clear specifications, deadlines, and evaluation criteria.

Negotiating

• Engage in negotiations with suppliers to secure the best possible terms, including pricing, delivery schedules, and payment terms.
• Work to establish long‑term relationships and strategic partnerships with key suppliers.

Agreement Management

• Draft, review, and manage contracts and agreements with suppliers.
• Ensure that all agreements comply with company policies and legal requirements.

Monitoring

• Track the progress of orders and deliveries to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment.
• Address and resolve any issues or discrepancies that arise during the procurement process.

Closing

• Verify that all purchased goods and services meet specified requirements before final acceptance.
• Ensure that all necessary documentation is completed and filed appropriately.

Rating and Evaluation

• Conduct regular performance evaluations of suppliers based on criteria such as quality, delivery, and cost.
• Maintain records of supplier performance and provide feedback to suppliers to encourage continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in supply chain management, business administration, engineering, or similar discipline.
• Strong knowledge of procurement processes, supplier management, and contract negotiation.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to understand and interpret technical specifications and requirements.
• Proficient in using procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Competencies

• Technical Acumen: Understanding of the technical aspects of the products and services being procured.
• Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate favorable terms and conditions with suppliers.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in all procurement activities.
• Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Problem‑Solving: Ability to address and resolve issues promptly and effectively.
• Time Management: Efficiently managing time to handle multiple priorities.

Abilities

• Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
• Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Identify and understand the speech of another person.