Buyer III (Senior Buyer and Contracts Manager)

This position is located at 10240 Science Center Drive, Suite 200, La Jolla, CA 92121.

About the Role

The Senior Buyer and Contracts Manager will exercise fiduciary duty and judgment to protect the interests of Salk, donors, and grant agencies while ensuring all procurement services comply with Salk policies and other applicable regulations. The role is expected to procure, contract, and qualify supply sources for an assigned set of goods and services that are complex or technical in nature, including license agreements, custom products, consulting, and professional services.

This role is responsible for reviewing and establishing prices, payment schedules, quality requirements, delivery, terms, conditions, and other related specifications. Obtains competition through RFQs and RFPs and maintains required documentation according to department policies, including source selection, price reasonableness, and sole sources. Advises internal clients, recommends alternative sources and product/service options when appropriate. Analyzes spend within assigned goods and services to identify opportunities for strategic sourcing.

Responsibilities

• Reviews, interprets, and updates requisitions for goods and services. Conveys any special circumstances, requirements, or terms and conditions that may apply to a pending request.
• Prepares and administers requests for quotes, proposals, and information (RFx) or otherwise obtains competition as required to issue purchase orders.
• Reviews and negotiates responses to ensure the best value for the internal client, including best pricing, quality, service, delivery schedules, and terms and conditions.
• Selects suppliers and places orders through an e-procurement system associated with assigned goods and services and attaches all documentation required per procurement procedures and policies.
• Ensures that all requirements are met once an order is placed; works with internal clients and suppliers to resolve billing issues and delivery discrepancies. Expedites orders to meet initial delivery or new delivery requirements.
• Reviews spending trends and identifies potential opportunities for strategic sourcing, contracting, supply chain maximization, and supply base consolidation. Participates in strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Acts as back-up in the absence of other Buyers.
• Trains and provides guidance and informal mentoring to other Buyers as needed.
• Manages and orchestrates all aspects of the contract life cycle from supplier qualification to RFx development to contract completion. Ensures all procedures are followed and the highest ethical standards are upheld.
• Vets potential suppliers to ensure they meet all requirements to do business with Salk, including ensuring they are not debarred or otherwise excluded from government procurements actions.
• Reviews and negotiates contractual terms, pricing, and other specifications, including those related to release & indemnification and non-disclosure agreements. Compiles final contract documents and ensures proper execution and filing.
• Assists in the implementation of newly awarded contracts including the coordination of meetings between internal clients, supporting departments such as Salk Research Laboratories, Facilities, Communications, EH&S, Finance, Logistics Operations, IS/IT, and suppliers.
• Manages or participates in supplier business reviews to review performance metrics and find opportunities to increase value to internal clients. Establishes, nurtures, and maintains excellent supplier relationships.
• Coordinates contract modifications including amendments, performance management and corrective action requests, renewals, and terminations. Ensures that all required documentation is complete and kept up to date.
• Utilizes the contract manager module in the e-procurement system as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May assist with training and mentoring junior staff, students, and visiting researchers in laboratory techniques and protocols.
• Formal supervisory responsibilities may be assigned depending on laboratory needs and experience level.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in a senior or advanced Buyer role, preferably in a procurement department that supports a non-profit scientific organization, university, or biotechnology company.
• BA or BS in Contract Management, Procurement, Business Law, Supply Chain Management, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification of Procurement or supply chain from a nationally recognized organization such as ISM, APICS, American Procurement Society, Universal Public Procurement Certification Council.

Preferred Skills

• Experience managing supplier performance and relationships.
• Experience successfully negotiating price, quality, specifications, and other contractual terms and full contract life cycle.
• Experience using an e-procurement and ERP/information management systems.
• Experience conducting requests for information, quotes, and proposals (RFx).
• Experience editing and writing contractual clauses.

About Salk Institute

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward.

Pay

The expected pay range for this position is $38.46 to $50.48 an hour. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement plans.
• Paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Patient advocacy services.
• Transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries. The acronym “I CARE” provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.