Senior Buyer - Research

Senior Buyer - Research

• 45001856
• 907 Floyd Avenue, VCU Main Campus, Virginia, United States, 23284
• Financial Services
• Staff
• Procurement Operations MBU

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Advertising Summary:Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), a Top 50 Public Research Institution, invites applications for a dynamic and results-driven Senior Buyer to join Procurement Services. This role is ideal for a strategic procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced, high-impact environment and is motivated to drive value across complex research and operational portfolios.

Unit: Procurement Operations MBU

Department: Procurement Services

Department Summary: VCU has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Buyer for Research to join the Procurement team!

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Senior Buyer is responsible for the procurement of a diverse portfolio of complex and technical goods and services in support of VCU's academic, research, and healthcare missions. This role requires a high level of independent judgment, advanced negotiation skills, and the ability to deliver measurable cost savings through strategic sourcing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end procurement activities for a high volume of complex, technical commodities and services in accordance with the Tier III Management Agreement, Commonwealth of Virginia regulations, and University policies.

Negotiate contracts from both pricing and legal perspectives, ensuring favorable terms, risk mitigation, and alignment with institutional objectives.

Drive strategic sourcing initiatives that result in measurable cost savings, process efficiencies, and enhanced supplier performance.

Independently manage multiple high-priority, complex projects simultaneously, exercising sound judgment and decision-making with minimal supervision.

Collaborate with category managers, sourcing specialists, stakeholders, and senior leadership to develop sourcing strategies aligned with institutional goals.

Conduct spend analysis and market research to inform sourcing strategies and identify opportunities for cost optimization and supplier consolidation.

Develop and implement term and cooperative contracts that deliver value to VCU and partner institutions.

Serve as a trusted advisor to University departments, providing guidance on procurement strategy, planning, and compliance.

Represent VCU in negotiations and interactions with suppliers and external partners.

Encourage broader supplier participation by increasing engagement with small, women-owned, and minority-owned (SWaM) businesses.

Ensure all procurement activities comply with applicable laws, policies, and audit standards.

Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and customer service.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field, or equivalent experience/training.
• Must have the ability and organizational skills to handle a high volume of complex work and multiple assignments independently.
• Ability to make effective decisions to resolve complicated issues.
• Ability to use current technology effectively.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Progressive procurement experience or equivalent experience/training (e.g., Supply Chain Management and Analytics).
• Strategic Sourcing experience or equivalent experience/training.
• CPPB, CPPO, CPM, CUPO, or other procurement/contracting certifications.

Salary Range: $65,500 - $91,700

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

University Job Title: 3021S - Sr Buyer PC Senior