Senior Buyer - Research

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.