Buyer, Business

External Description

Buyer

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Buyer for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office. Under supervision, the Buyer reviews and approves online requisitions to ensure they meet Association policies and criteria.

They collaborate with staff and pilots from all parts of the Association to ensure quality and timely procurements. They identify, select, and maintain vendor contacts to monitor and control product price and quality; review invoices related to purchase orders; and, assist in resolving any issues, questions, or disputes that may arise during the procurement process. They maintain accurate records of purchases, contracts, and supplier information, utilizing the Association’s procurement software and systems, while recommending improvements to existing purchasing policies and procedures.

They also serve as a procurement subject matter expert (SME) for Finance and IT development and implementation projects and/or programs.

Local travel: 2 - 5%.

ALPA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in a safe workplace. We prohibit discrimination, harassment and harmful behavior of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, caste, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics as outlined in federal or provincial laws. We highly value everyone and all are encouraged to apply, including minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

ALPA is a member-driven, staff supported, union with two internal professional unions.

Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of college with emphasis in business math and/or accounting strongly preferred; high school diploma required; or, the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two (2) years of experience as a professional buyer and/or purchasing agent required; four (4) or more years strongly preferred.
• Experience with software related to purchasing, inventory tracking, and workflow preferred.
• Prior purchasing experience with proven expertise preferred and may be substituted for some of the above at management discretion.
• Strong business math and accurate data entry skills required.
• Accounting and budget preparation experience a plus.
• Solid interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written, for effective and professional interaction with vendors, pilot members, and employees.
• Strong time management skills; able to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment; and transition easily between projects.
• Strong research skills.
• Detail-oriented and analytical, including the ability to resolve problems.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment and improve services in response to changing department and Association needs.
• Software:
  Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook required. Accounting software experience preferred.

Physical Demands:

Note:

The physical demands described herein are characteristic of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential physical activities of this position described below.

Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet. Regularly required to maintain a stationary position, move about the office and the local metropolitan area, determine what others have said or written, and converse with others and exchange accurate information.

Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and travel (locally and/or nationally). This also includes occasional bending, stooping, squatting, pushing and pulling, and moving, e.g., to pack, unpack, and/or move cases.

Occasionally required to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to twenty-five (25) pounds (lbs.). Sporadically, may be responsible for moving, raising, reaching, and/or retrieving required binders, boxes, cases, files, packages, shipping containers, and/or equipment weighing as much as one hundred (100) lbs. (Assistance may not always be available.)

ALPA offers competitive salaries with terrific benefits, including:

• 401k Plan with Non-Elective Employer Contribution of 12% plus 2% contribution into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) after 180 days of employment. No employee contribution required! Employees can choose to make pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions to the 401(k). The plan permits in-plan Roth conversions and has a 4-year vesting schedule. The MBCBP has a 3-year cliff vesting period;
• Generous health care benefits on day one – Aetna PPO Plan, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, and a Kaiser HMO Plan (where available), which includes coverage for…