Senior Buyer

Department: Fiscal Services

Classification: Procurement Officer 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 05

Salary: Salary range $87,000 - $94,250, commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Financial Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Purchasing Department's mission is to support the University by purchasing goods and services in the most strategic manner. The department takes the lead in procurement activities and conducts research on behalf of end users. Objectives include procuring items at reasonable costs, using appropriate quality standards, adding value through negotiation, and complying with laws and regulations.

About the Position:

Conduct the most complex agency procurement actions for a diverse portfolio of complex and technical goods and services, frequently in excess of $100,000. Independently oversee strategic sourcing activities within assigned commodities to ensure that the best value is realized. Provide prompt, accurate, and responsive procurement support to the University by applying the principles of competition and strategic sourcing to maintain the intent of the public procurement function. Conduct a variety of highly complex procurement activities to include purchasing goods and services, obtaining bids, advanced negotiations, developing reliable sources of supply, including fostering relationships with small businesses, and expediting orders. Provide accurate assistance, advice and guidance to the University community on procurement issues. Exercise considerable discretion and judgment within established procedures and authority.

Responsibilities:

• Performs work at the highest level of difficulty related to the solicitation and execution of complex procurement contracts and review of procurement and material procedures and activities;
• Conducts procurement activities frequently in excess of $100,000 per procurement;
• Applies extensive industry knowledge and agency regulations in formulating the most complex term-contracts for the provision of volume goods and services purchasing services through either competitive bid (IFB), competitive negotiation (RFP), Sole Source or Emergency procurement;
• Uses critical skills and knowledge to determine best method of procurement and handle all procurement transactions within delegated authority;
• Works independently and exercise considerable discretion and judgment within established procedures and authority/responsibility;
• Reviews purchase requisitions submitted by University departments for accuracy and completeness;
• Determines best method of procurement;
• Oversees and administers RFP's from start to finish ensuring compliance with State Law. Obtain bids/quotes and/or prepare and develop appropriate solicitation documents (IFB/RFP) evaluate, analyze, negotiate (when necessary) and award;
• Prepares purchase orders, negotiate contracts, document cost savings/avoidance, and all associated documentation in a timely and accurate manner;
• Executes contracts and purchase orders within delegated signature authority and forward for approval, where necessary;
• Maintains complete documentation of files, review and approve/disapprove PO pricing changes;
• Conducts and oversees strategic sourcing activities within assigned categories;
• Strategically reviews all vendor spending within assigned commodities and determine compliance with Mason and State policies and procedures;
• Leads sourcing activities within commodity and determine with departmental stakeholders how to achieve the ideal combination of service and price;
• Customer Service/vendor assistance, contract administration, order expediting, receiving, returns, invoice processing and vendor problems;
• Assists heads of departments and other University leaders with procurement and contractual matters by providing advice, policy interpretation and guidance;
• Answers questions or advise University customers and/or vendors on procurement processes and procedures to minimize procurement cycle time and to enhance customer service;
• Acts as liaison between vendors and the University in procurement related matters;
• Assists vendors on how to conduct business with the University;
• Advises and encourages SWaM vendors to certify with the SBSD;
• Provides general contract administration on all orders and contracts to assure goods and services are provided in accordance with the agreement;
• Supports and assists University departments, Central Receiving and Accounts Payable personnel to promptly resolve delivery, order status, receiving, material return, and invoice issues;
• Resolves vendor problems, execute actions to cure when necessary and initiate timely contract renewals, extensions or re-bid process;
• Develops reliable sources of supply, research product information, liaise with other purchasing organizations;
• Encourages use of SWaM vendors, where appropriate;
• Develops alternative, reliable and responsible sources of supply for goods and services through source lists, vendor visits, market analysis, trade shows, exhibits and professional purchasing organizations;
• Encourages participation by small, women-owned and minority businesses and assist them with certification; and
• Networks with other purchasing offices and universities. 

Required Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a County, State, Federal or university purchasing organization as a Senior Buyer/ Contracting Officer;
• Extensive experience in purchasing complex goods and services, developing sources of supply and resolving purchasing issues;
• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of strategic sourcing, complex procurements and the ability to fully oversee all procurement activities within the assigned commodities;
• Ability and organizational skills to handle a high volume of complex work and multiple assignments independently;
• Frequently conducts RFPs up to three million dollars in value;
• Ability to analyze bids, interpret specifications, negotiate open market purchases and contracts including the negotiation of complex legal and technical terms and conditions;
• Ability to handle the most complex purchases;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; and
• Professional Purchasing certification from an approved source will be required within 24 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field;
• CUPO, VCO, CPPB, CPPO, CPM, CPSM, FAC-C, CFCM or equivalent high level procurement certification strongly preferred;
• Higher education experience in Virginia or Federal Government experience strongly preferred; and
• Previous eVA and Ellucian Banner experience.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Senior Buyer at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: May 13, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  June 7, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes