Buyer

About VPRA

Role overview and location

Responsibilities

• Ensure purchases are accurate, timely, and compliant with applicable law and VPRA policies.
• Manage requisitions and coordinate with departments on requirements, specifications, quantity, quality, and delivery.
• Cultivate dependable suppliers and encourage participation from small and diverse businesses.
• Oversee procurement for compliance, timeliness, transparency, and strategic sourcing.
• Develop, negotiate, and manage vendor agreements with consultants and contractors; monitor contract compliance and efficiency.
• Manage change orders and adherence to contract terms and conditions.
• Resolve scope and performance disputes and communicate with VPRA leadership.
• Prepare project closeout records and reporting; support spend analysis, sourcing, and accurate documentation.
• Guide and train staff on procurement practices and stay current on market trends and product availability.
• Assist vendors and prospective bidders by explaining procedures and representing VPRA professionally.

Required education and experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least four years of relevant procurement experience and knowledge of best practices, public procurement law, and governmental procurement methods.
• Familiarity with the procurement cycle, including scopes of work, quotes or RFP/RFQ preparation, vendor negotiations, and written contracts.
• Knowledge of the Virginia Public Procurement Act and Federal Acquisition Regulations.
• Negotiation skills to achieve value and mitigate risk across construction, engineering, and simple-project goods and services procurement.
• Ability to independently handle multiple assignments with minimal guidance.

Preferred qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in business or public administration, engineering, construction management, or a related field, or equivalent years of experience, is preferred.
• VCCO or another procurement/contracting certification is preferred.