Lead Purchasing Specialist

C5MI is a technology and services firm focused on delivering digital transformation across supply chain, manufacturing, logistics, and IT operations. As a trusted SAP Gold Partner, we serve customers across the public and private sectors—helping them improve mission-critical systems, modernize operations, and increase visibility across their enterprise. Our employees are key to our success, so we strive to be more than just a team; we're a community built upon a set of Core Values that guide our every action:

• Challenge – We believe in challenging the present – it's the only way to shape the future. We must be exceptional communicators and collaborators while always learning. We also understand that speaking your mind requires equal parts brain (what to say), thoughtfulness (when to say it), and caring (how it's said). Incremental won't win.
• Have Fun – We are on a journey, together. Take care of your family, take care of yourself, and take care of each other. Live your happiness. Stay human, take care of each other and invest in your community. Life isn't all about work. Live your happiness. Be healthy.
• All In – You can't fake passion – show your energy. Own it – take charge and lead. Our team is made up of top quartile talent and we never accept second best. Accountability, trust, and integrity create an environment to realize the team's true potential.
• Never Screw the Customer – We have walked a mile in your shoes. Experience matters. We drive innovation to generate business value. Be true – no BS.
• GSD (Get Stuff Done) – We take initiative and never make excuses. We act with urgency, and we delivery high quality outcomes with extreme velocity. We embrace process discipline, drive continuous improvement, and stay audit ready. We relentlessly execute and plan for tomorrow by creating sustainable outcomes. That is how we win
• Empower – Our people are the foundation for our success. We recognize their value, and support them by fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. We recognize individual strengths, build confidence through action, and invest in personal development.

Position Summary: The Lead Purchasing Specialist is responsible for the sourcing and procurement process, from solicitation through to closeout. As a seasoned negotiator, this individual will secure favorable terms and pricing from suppliers and comply with best practice procurement standards, FAR/DFARS regulations, and C5MI policies and procedures.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements sourcing and procurement strategies to optimize costs, quality, and delivery of goods and services.
• Recommends process improvements related to procurement practices.
• Oversees the procurement process from requisition to purchase order issuance and receipt of goods/services.
• Reviews and executes complex and highly technical project requirements/requisitions, issue solicitations, and Subcontract Purchase Orders with consideration to FAR/DFARS flow-down, and C5MI's terms and conditions.
• Analyzes costs and pricing proposals to achieve cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Recommends solutions to address issues in procurement.
• Processes company-wide purchasing requests for hardware, software, supplies, subs, etc.
• Maintains procurement files to ensure compliance with company procedures.
• Identifies and selects suppliers based on various criteria, including safety, assurance of supply, quality, service, cost and innovation, and sustainability. Considers requestor input, applies experience with prior purchases, current agreements and situations, and may seek additional input from others.
• Negotiates terms and conditions, hourly labor/equipment rates, mark-ups, prices, etc., with Supplier/Contractor to obtain the best possible outcome for the company.
• Ensures purchase orders are managed effectively throughout their lifecycle, including renewals, amendments, and terminations, and ensures compliance with company policies and regulations.
• Tracks and reports on KPIs related to procurement activities to internal stakeholders, and implements improvements based on analysis and feedback.
• Participates in and may prepare for supplier/vendor qualification and/or performance audits.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to facilitate smooth operations and resolve issues promptly. May conduct supplier/vendor/sub partner visits to evaluate performance and maintain constructive business relationships.
• Reconciles invoices for