PURCHASING AGENT- (2 POSITIONS) - EXEMPT - PURCHASING DEPARTMENT in White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico at Southwest Range Services

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for procuring materials, equipment, supplies, commercial items and services in support of the company and customer requirements while ensuring compliance with SRS company policies, contractual obligations, and applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). The Purchasing Agent performs detailed reviews of purchase requests to ensure adequacy, consistency, completeness, and compliance with administrative, funding, and program requirements. The Purchasing Agent reviews customer specifications outlined by the customer to ensure information is clear, concise and accurate. Works closely and coordinates with all department requisitioners to resolve discrepancies or ambiguities and assists in resolving complex procurement issues between SRS the vendor or subcontractor.

Determines the appropriate procurement source and acquisition method, required to conduct extensive market research to locate potential vendors/subcontractors on an ongoing basis. Purchasing Agent performs all pre-award contracting functions which requires the use of Fixed Price, Time & Material, Cost-Plus, or a combination of contract methods and types to procure large, complex/high dollar material, equipment, systems or services. Schedules and may attend bid conferences and planning meetings for upcoming projects.

Prepares and issues Requests for Quotations (RFQs) and Request for Proposals (RFPs), performs detailed analysis of proposals for pricing, strict compliance with specifications, delivery schedules and terms and conditions, enters into negotiations to obtain the best overall value while meeting operational requirements.

Prepares, issues, and administers purchase orders and subcontracts using the Deltek Costpoint system, ensuring all post award actions taken, supporting documentation is complete and compliant in accordance with SRS procurement policies, and applicable FAR government regulations. The Purchasing Agent is responsible for issuing purchase order modifications, monitoring vendor performance, tracking open orders, expediting high-priority deliveries to minimize operational downtime, and communicating delivery status or delays to internal customers.

Administers purchase orders/subcontracts to ensure deliverables are made as applicable and ensure payments are processed. Coordinates with vendors/subcontractors, internal departments, and program personnel to resolve shipping discrepancies, invoice issues, damaged or incorrect shipments, and other procurement-related concerns.

Implements best practices and facilitates the process from inception to administration and award. Ensures all procurement actions are properly documented from requisition to purchase order/subcontract to close out the procurement action. Maintains accurate procurement records to support audit readiness.

Applicant must possess Five (5) years of government purchasing experience preferred.

Previous experience as a Purchasing Agent, Procurement Specialist, Subcontract Administrator, or in a similar procurement-related position may be considered in lieu of government purchasing experience. The selected candidate should have experience preparing, processing, and administering purchase orders, requests for quotations (RFQs), requests for proposals (RFPs), vendor agreements, or other procurement documentation. Knowledge of purchasing practices, supplier management, procurement processes, and government contracting requirements is preferred. Familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Department of Defense (DoD) procurement practices, and procurement systems such as Deltek Costpoint is highly desirable. Fluent with Xcel, Microsoft Word, Power Point is highly desirable.

The successful candidate must be highly articulate and possess strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders. The candidate must demonstrate strong decision-making, negotiation, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, respond effectively to changing requirements, and meet demanding deadlines in a fast-paced environment. The ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain attention to detail, and handle confidential procurement and business information with discretion is required.

The selected candidate must possess a valid state driver’s license. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security investigation, and the candidate must meet all eligibility requirements for access to WSMRnet and classified information in support of operations at White Sands Missile Range.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Department of Defense (DoD) procurement requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations are preferred. Experience with Deltek Costpoint or other procurement, purchasing, or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is highly desirable. Familiarity with government contracting practices, purchase order administration, supplier management, and procurement documentation requirements is beneficial.