SPECIALIST - SR. SPECIALIST - Purchasing - Compliance - Quality Control

Southwest Research Institute

San Antonio, TX

JOB DETAILS
JOB TYPE
Full-time, Employee
SKILLS
Adobe Product Family, Analysis Skills, Auditing, Business Practices, Code of Federal Regulations, Continuous Improvement, Contract Management, Contract Negotiation, Customer Experience, Customer Satisfaction, Customer/Client Research, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS), Deltek Costpoint, Detail Oriented, Documentation, Driver's License, Employee Orientation, External Audit, Federal Contracts, Federal Government, Federal Laws and Regulations, File Audits, Government, Government Contracts, Government Requirements, Internal Audit, Maintain Compliance, Market Surveys, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Organizational Skills, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Procurement Management, Purchase Orders, Purchasing/Procurement, Quality Control, Quality Management, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Requirements, Reporting Skills, Risk Management, Service Delivery, Small Business, Time Management, Training Program, Training/Teaching, Trend Analysis, Writing Skills
LOCATION
San Antonio, TX
POSTED
2 days ago
Who We Are:

The Purchasing Compliance Group is SwRI Purchasing's internal procurement oversight function, dedicated to continuous assessment and improvement across the Purchasing Department. We conduct internal audits against DCMA CPSR standards, own SwRI's small business compliance program, maintain Purchasing policies and procedures, and administer SwRI's subrecipient monitoring program — ensuring SwRI remains audit-ready, regulatory compliant, and a trusted federal government contractor.

Objectives of this Role:
  • Ensure compliance and enhance procurement efficiency through internal quality reviews, trend analysis, and actionable recommendations that support risk mitigation, procurement quality, and informed decision-making.
  • Evaluate compliance with FAR, DFARS, 2 CFR 200, and SwRI policies by reviewing purchase order and subcontract award documentation and processes, minimizing risk and ensuring continuous audit readiness.
  • Serve as audit liaison and primary point of contact for all internal and external audits, leading coordination efforts including communications, file preparation, task tracking, scheduling, and timely completion.
  • Coordinate and support Purchasing Department training programs focused on audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across all buyer and subcontract administration staff.
  • Administer the Purchasing Department's internal customer satisfaction survey, gathering actionable feedback on the customer experience and identifying opportunities to improve service delivery and operational excellence.
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
  • Conduct quarterly internal Purchasing quality reviews per an annual assessment plan, generating reports, analyzing trends, and presenting findings and recommendations to the management team.
  • Review purchase order and subcontract award files to ensure audit readiness and adherence with FAR, DFARS, 2 CFR 200, SwRI and Department policies and procedures, and standard business practices.
  • Lead all Purchasing audit efforts by coordinating deliverables, tasks, and schedules; communicating and tracking efforts; ensuring timely delivery of information; and providing procurement compliance guidance to key staff.
  • Recommend, develop, coordinate, schedule, and deliver Purchasing Department training in collaboration with subject-matter experts, with a focus on audit readiness and purchasing quality improvement.
  • Send the customer satisfaction survey to internal Purchasing customers monthly, analyze results, identify trends, and present findings to the management team in graphical form to support action and continuous improvement.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
  • Requires a Bachelors degree in Business or related discipline. Masters degree is a plus.
  • 4 - 8 years: Experience with Government Contracts or Subcontracts negotiation, award and administration. Advanced and current experience with government requirements, primarily FAR and agency supplements. Knowledge of 2 CFR 200 and Single Audit requirements per 2CFR200 is preferred.
  • 4 - 8 years: Demonstrated knowledge of government audit practices and procedures, particularly DCAA and DCMA, and Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR). Must have in-depth knowledge of compliance requirements and internal controls at all phases of contract award.
  • 4 - 8 years: Demonstrated proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, TEAMs, OneNote, and Adobe. Experience with Deltek Costpoint is preferred. Applicant must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, and work under moderate supervision.
  • 4 - 8 years: Must be self-motivated, organized, and able to work both independently and collaboratively. Strong presentation skills and demonstrated experience applying federal regulatory requirements and sound business practices in a compliance setting required.
  • A valid/clear driver's license is required.

About the Company

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Southwest Research Institute

We are R&D problem solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients. Our multidisciplinary nature allows us to rapidly assemble diverse teams to tackle problems from multiple directions. We push the boundaries of science and technology to develop innovative solutions that advance the state of the art and improve human health and safety. Operating as a nonprofit since our 1947 inception, we work in the public’s best interest and toward the betterment of mankind.  At SwRI, we tirelessly pursue innovation and excellence in science and technology for the betterment of humankind. We support work on nearly 4,000 client projects at any given time through a wide range of technical competencies with 2,574 staff members in nine technical divisions. Client services include, but are not limited to, Automotive and Transportation, Biomedical & Health, Chemistry & Materials, Computers and Electronics, Defense & Security, Earth & Space, Energy & Environment, and Manufacturing & Construction. 

TECHNICAL DIVISIONS

  • Applied Physics-Developing advanced electronic and microelectronic devices, power supplies, voice and data communication systems, robot test services, and payloads
  • Applied Power-Using physical science research and applied engineering to produce sensors, instruments, and hardware used worldwide.
  • Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses-Resolving technical and regulatory issues related to a potential geologic repository for spent nuclear fule and high-level radioactive waste.
  • Chemistry and Chemical Engineering-Performing research and technical services using chemistry and chemical engineering technology.
  • Defense and & Intelligence Solutions-Providing advanced direction finding and tracking systems through geolocation system development.
  • Fuels and Lubricants Research-Performing fuels and lubricants research activities to meet regulatory and competitive goals.
  • Intelligent Systems-Providing engineering services in resaerch and development of complex systems and equipment.
  • Mechanical Engineering-Improving safety, reliability, efficiency and life of new or existing mechanical components or systems.
  • Powertrain Engineering-Designing and developing vehicle and engine components to achieve performance and emissions goals.
  • Space Science & Engineering-Developing and managing advanced scientific payloads aboard satellites and sounding rockets.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Innovation in science and technology has been a hallmark of Southwest Research Institute since its earliest days. It's no exaggeration to say we are committed to advancing science and applying technology to benefit government, industry, and all humankind. That is our mission. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach allows us to successfully solve clients' most challenging problems. Today, we are a leader among independent, nonprofit research and development organizations. Our staff of 2,574 scientists, engineers, analysts, and support staff members continues to accomplish outstanding fundamental and applied engineering and research for clients from diverse segments of government and industry. Adam L. Hamilton, P.E, President and CEO

IN THE COMMUNITY
Our staff is expert at developing solutions that help build a better tomorrow today; and that practical, innovative spirit carries through to our community interactions. Staff members generously donate time and outher resources to support food drives, blood drives, and other
outreach programs. 
HONORS AND AWARDS
Southwest Research Institute has earned 43 R&D 100 awards since 1971. Each year R&D Magazine recognizes developments regarded as among the 100 most significant technical accomplishments. The Chicago Tribune dubbed the program "the Oscars of Invention". 
COMPANY SIZE
2,000 to 2,499 employees
INDUSTRY
Engineering Services
FOUNDED
1947
WEBSITE
http://www.swri.org/