Procurement Officer V

Requisition Id 16313 

Overview:  

We are seeking one or more senior-level Procurement Officers who will provide procurement support to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate, with an emphasis on purchase of high-performance computing (HPC) systems, contracts for research & development, as well as software and software-as-a-service subscription agreements. Additional positions may be filled supporting other research areas including Isotope Science and Engineering. The agreement types include fixed-price, cost reimbursement, and time & material. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, negotiating, awarding and administering the full range of subcontract types, including the highest levels of complexity and value, while also independently serving as a lead Contracts Division point-of-contact for directorate level customers, large projects, and top management.  These responsibilities also include the following: pre-procurement planning with customer, pre-proposal conferences, facilitating concurrent reviews, leadership of subcontract negotiations, participation on process improvement teams, award of evaluated “best-value” procurements, and subcontract closeout.

The Procurement Officer in this role will review requisitions and specifications to ensure adherence to Department of Energy (DOE) prime contract requirements, as well as ORNL and Contracts Division policies and procedures.  Develops and maintains accurate and complete files according to division and company procedures.  Acts as the primary point of contact for all functions related to each award.  Coordinates award activities with appropriate parties (Customers, Receiving, Requisitioners, Accounts Payable, Materials Clerks, Legal, Property, etc.).

The Procurement Officer uses considerable discretion, market research, and judgment to determine best approach to facilitate acquisition solutions based on contracting experience and knowledge.  They are fully qualified to serve as Team Leader at this level. Work is independently managed to ensure that assignments are completed on time and with a high degree of quality and professionalism when dealing with internal and external stakeholders.

They are capable of supporting multiple laboratory customers in the full range of procurement services, managing large-value subcontracts/agreements, providing expert guidance to management to address complex problems, and possess advanced written and oral communication skills. Occasionally trains, guides, and mentors junior staff.

The Procurement Officer represents the Contracts Division in providing advice and acquisition solutions to problems associated with special customer projects and functions and/or systems. They will participate in Management Reviews and Competitive Evaluation Teams and will increasingly be involved with Contracts Division decisions and initiatives at the organizational/operational level. 

As part of our team, you will…

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Serve as a lead point-of-contact and provide expertise to directorate-level customers in all facets of procurement.   
• Provide expertise and guidance to other procurement staff members, occasionally assisting with work assignments and contract reviews.
• Conduct competitive and noncompetitive procurements for requirements necessary to support various ORNL projects.
• Lead contract price negotiations required to meet ORNL objectives.
• Negotiate complex and large dollar modifications and administrative changes to cost and fixed type subcontracts and purchase orders required during contract performance.
• Administer subcontracts and purchase orders to completion and closeout.
• Maintain conformance to program and contractual requirements by reviewing subcontractor performance, costs, prices, invoices and schedules.
• Administer complex procurement actions.
• Complete work assignments with a high degree of independence. 
• Build strong customer relationships with leaders throughout the organization.
• Mentor more junior level staff
• As required, act as a Team Lead responsible for the work products of one or more procurement staff members.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS/BA degree with at least twelve years of relevant contracts/procurement experience or a MS degree with at least 10 years of relevant contracts/procurement experience. 
• The candidate must possess the ability to function in a fast-paced business environment requiring a high degree of accuracy. 
• They must be customer service oriented with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse laboratory population. 
• The position requires expert knowledge of federal procurement regulations as well as government procurement terminology. 
• Requires excellent attention to detail and well-developed written and oral communication skills.
• Must possess the ability and willingness to work effectively as a member of a team, as well as independently, as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with ORNL Business Systems including SAP Ariba system
• Experience with large dollar IT acquisitions, especially HPC, is highly desirable.
• Experience managing large procurement programs and developing novel procurement strategies where no precedent exists
• Experience with research and development and cost reimbursement contracts with industry and academia.
• Experience with DOE procurement regulations
• Experience as a procurement team leader and with mentoring procurement staff. 
• Experience developing and instituting process improvements and with emerging technologies such as AI. 

Special Requirements: 

• Q clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

• Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

This position is located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and requires onsite presence.  We offer a flexible work environment that supports both the organization and the employee.  A hybrid/onsite working arrangement may be available with this position, which provides flexibility to work periodically from your home, while reporting onsite to the Oak Ridge, Tennessee location on a weekly and regular basis.

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.