Overview

Work for a first-class institution that is innovative, multi-dimensional, and dynamic by joining AIR as a Senior Purchasing Specialist . .

We hire talented and forward-thinking professionals to build our cross-functional teams and support our clients in solving complex problems. Our people—problem-solvers, changemakers, and creative thinkers—are experts in their craft who rise to meet today’s challenges.

The Senior Purchasing Specialist will play an integral role in delivering on some of the most meaningful projects in communities across the United States and the world. You’ll collaborate with our teams of motivated and passionate visionaries, where your input will be valued and your contributions vital to our success.

AIR’s Contracts & Grants Office is seeking a Senior Purchasing Specialist to join their innovative team. This position will report directly to the Director, Procurement & Subcontracts. This role is a unique opportunity to contribute to our mission of streamlining purchasing processes, both domestically and internationally, while also managing professional services, IT, and corporate purchases.

If you are excited to be part of this winning team where you can be a significant contributor and want to roll up your sleeves, this role is for you.

We value the experiences of every member of our institution, from entry level to executive. As part of our collaborative, learning-oriented team, you’ll be encouraged to grow in your career, develop additional skills, and progress professionally.

Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of ourU.S. office locations. (https://www.air.org/locations#headquarters) This does not include U.S. territories.

About AIR:

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences.We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff byclicking here (https://www.air.org/our-commitment-diversity-equity-and-inclusion) .

Responsibilities

Essential job functions include but are not limited to:

• Execute strategic and complex global sourcing strategies to continuously improve service and quality.

• Ensure risks are socialized with all stakeholders and mitigation plans and strategies in place.

• Mentor and further develop purchasing team.

• Bidding and Request for Proposals (RFPs)

• Promote and continuously cultivate supplier diversity.

• Negotiate, implement, and manage supplier contracts and service level agreements as well as supplier relationships

• Lead competitive bids and RFPs.

• Administer strategic sourcing processes, policies, procedures, category strategy, supplier segmentation, and supplier risk.

• Purchasing:

• Oversee and/or prepare and negotiatethe mostcomplex purchasing documents (e.g., purchase orders, terms and conditions.)

• Support governance operations for the organization.

• Provide internal communications on relevant purchasing requirements to promote compliance.

• Offer solutions for policy/process improvement (e.g., streamlining workflows, identifying, and implementing best purchasing practices across AIR, etc.).

• Partnerships and Collaboration:

• Prioritize building and maintaining collaborative relationships with all especially internal business partners and suppliers.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years of relevant experience or equivalent experience with various types of purchasing agreements.

• At least 5 years of experience in global strategic sourcing or procurement including supplier selection, management, and contract negotiations, implementing, and managing diverse supplier contracts, exclusivity, and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA).

• Demonstrated experience in government-related purchasing and compliance/risk issues.

• A comprehensive understanding of the purchasing cycle

• Experience with the Deltek CostPoint Materials Management and OnBase systems is a plus but not required.

• The following certifications are a plus but not required:the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) ); Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM); Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM); Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) from the Institute of Supply Chain Management (ISM) certifications.

Skills:

• Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds in a virtual environment.

• Demonstrated ability to work well independently, and collaboratively as needed, while prioritizing multiple objectives and projects to consistently meet established timelines.

• Demonstrated analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated ability to lead others in connecting disparate ideas into cohesive solutions with strong attention to detail.

• Purchasing system design, implementation, and maintenance experience a plus.

• Comprehensive experience with developing reports from large data sets, including advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables).

• Proficient in using standard Microsoft 365, including OneDrive, SharePoint, Excel (advanced), Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Disclosures:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks.

AIR’s Total Rewards Program , is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers an anticipated annual salary of $130,000 to $137,000. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.

AIR maintains adrug-free work environment (https://www.air.org/sites/default/files/2023-05/Workplace-Drug-Policy-2023.pdf) .

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer:

AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives.Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe @air.org is correct and jdoe @aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address . If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach outto recruitment@air.org .

If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov . You can also report it to your state attorney general . Find out more about how to avoid scams at ftc.gov/scams .

#LI-MP1 #LI-Remote

Submit an interest application (https://jobs-airdc.icims.com/jobs/13118/senior-purchasing-specialist/job?mode=apply&apply=yes&in_iframe=1&hashed=1374627785)

Please note, each section of the application is required in order for you to be considered for this opportunity. If you do not complete the required screening questions, or if you close your browser before completing each section of the application, your application will not be submitted for this position.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. Minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

American Institutes for Research’s commitment to Diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations and work environment. Diversity is valued and Inclusion is reflected in all efforts to recruit, develop, and engage the diverse staff needed to accomplish our mission.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.org or call 202.403.5000.

Job Location US-Remote

Job ID 13118

Job Location United States

Category Contracts & Legal