Senior Buyer - Government Programs

We are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to lead procurement activities supporting government contracts in a fast-paced shipyard or industrial manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, purchasing, and expediting materials, equipment, and subcontracted services required to support production, repair, and program execution. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in federal contracting procurement practices, with a working knowledge of FAR/DFARS requirements, supplier management, and schedule-driven operations.

The Senior Buyer must be capable of independently managing complex procurements, ensuring compliance, reducing cost, and supporting on-time delivery of mission-critical materials.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Procure materials, equipment, and services in support of government contracts, vessel construction, repair, and maintenance programs.

Interpret purchase requisitions, technical specifications, drawings, and statements of work to develop sourcing strategies.

Solicit quotations, analyze proposals, negotiate pricing, terms, and lead times, and issue purchase orders.

Ensure procurement actions comply with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), customer contract flow-downs, and company policies.

Maintain documentation supporting competition, price reasonableness, sole source justifications, and subcontract files.

Manage supplier performance related to quality, cost, delivery, and responsiveness.

Expedite critical material shortages and coordinate with planning, warehouse, engineering, quality, and production teams.

Support audits and reviews including CPSR, DCMA, DCAA, and internal compliance assessments.

Identify cost savings opportunities, alternate sources, and strategic sourcing initiatives.

Review terms and conditions and escalate contractual or risk issues as needed. Track open orders, commitments, and supplier schedules to ensure program milestones are met.

Mentor junior buyers and provide guidance on compliant procurement practices.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS7+ years of purchasing/procurement experience, with significant experience supporting Government Contracting.

Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, subcontracting requirements, and flow-down clauses.

Experience purchasing fabricated materials, marine equipment, industrial components, or technical services.

Strong negotiation, analytical, and supplier management skills.

Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel.

Ability to read technical drawings, specifications, and bills of material.

Strong communication and cross-functional coordination skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Prior experience in a shipyard, marine repair, naval construction, or heavy industrial manufacturing environment.

Experience supporting DoD, Navy, Coast Guard, MARAD, or federal prime contracts.

CPSR readiness or compliant purchasing system experience.

Knowledge of small business subcontracting requirements.

APICS, CPSM, or related certification.
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