Procurement Associate

We are looking for a Procurement Associate to support purchasing operations for a defense services organization in Arlington, Virginia. This contract position with permanent potential is ideal for someone who can coordinate vendor activity, manage procurement documentation, and keep purchasing processes moving efficiently across multiple priorities. The person in this role will work closely with internal teams and suppliers to help secure materials and services on schedule while maintaining accuracy, compliance, and strong business relationships.

Responsibilities:

• Identify and obtain materials, equipment, and services from authorized suppliers based on business needs and timelines.
• Lead supplier discussions to secure favorable pricing, service agreements, and purchasing terms.
• Build productive partnerships with vendors and evaluate their responsiveness, quality, and overall performance.
• Create and manage purchase orders, then monitor delivery status to help ensure timely fulfillment.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to gather purchasing requirements and align orders with operational schedules.
• Review spending activity to spot patterns, support budget awareness, and recommend cost reduction opportunities.
• Apply procurement standards and internal policy requirements throughout the purchasing process.
• Investigate and resolve billing issues, shipment problems, and vendor-related concerns in a timely manner.
• Maintain organized procurement files, vendor records, and supporting documentation for accuracy and audit readiness.