Interim Buyer

Buyer (Government Contracting/Procurement) | Alexandria, VA | Contract

Cherry Bekaert Recruiting & Staffing is seeking an experienced Buyer to support a highly respected nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing national security and supporting the U.S. defense community. This role will focus on managing consultant and professional services procurements while ensuring compliance with government contracting regulations and internal procurement policies.

• Position: Buyer
• Location: Alexandria, VA (Potomac Yard)
• Type: Contract Opportunity
• Industry: Government Contracting / Defense Research
• Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizenship Required
• Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain required clearance
• Systems: Deltek Costpoint Required

The Buyer will support the procurement function by administering consultant and professional services engagements from requisition through purchase order issuance. The ideal candidate will bring experience working within government contracting environments, possess knowledge of FAR and DFARS regulations, and have hands-on experience with Deltek Costpoint. This position requires strong attention to detail, the ability to manage high-volume procurement activities, and exceptional communication skills to collaborate with internal stakeholders, consultants, legal teams, accounts payable, and security personnel.

• Review consultant requisitions and supporting documentation for completeness and compliance with procurement policies.
• Process consultant agreements, purchase orders, amendments, and related procurement documentation within approved authority levels.
• Review Statements of Work (SOWs), labor categories, labor rates, consultant documentation, and supporting materials for accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate consultant and professional services procurement activities from intake through purchase order issuance.
• Partner with internal stakeholders, including Accounts Payable, Security, Legal, and hiring managers, to ensure timely processing.
• Utilize Deltek Costpoint and procurement systems to process requisitions, issue purchase orders, maintain records, and support reporting.
• Maintain procurement documentation and files in accordance with FAR, DFARS, and organizational requirements.
• Track procurement actions, approvals, onboarding requirements, vendor setup activities, and outstanding documentation.
• Support high-volume consultant procurement activities while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Escalate procurement issues, delays, and compliance concerns to management as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive procurement, purchasing, or contract administration experience supporting government contractors or defense-related organizations.
• Required experience with Deltek Costpoint.
• Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
• Experience reviewing contracts, SOWs, labor categories, labor rates, and procurement documentation.
• Strong analytical skills with experience performing price trend analysis and cost evaluations.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check required.

Estimated salary range: $68,681 - $109,890 annually

Compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and relevant skill sets.