Lead Purchasing Agent: Shaping the Future of Veteran Care
Are you ready to elevate your career while contributing to a mission that matters? The Department of Veterans Affairs is currently recruiting for a Lead Purchasing Agent to join our team in Vancouver, Washington. This role is a perfect opportunity for motivated individuals who excel in procurement, leadership, and organization.
Job Responsibilities
As a Lead Purchasing Agent, your primary responsibility is to oversee the procurement of specialized services and supplies. You will:
- Mentor and Lead: Oversee three or more purchasing agents, ensuring workload balance and professional development.
- Procurement: Utilize government purchase cards to manage micro-purchases and complex procurement requests.
- Reporting: Maintain accurate records and generate reports using automated supply systems and Microsoft Office.
- Conflict Resolution: Act as a first responder for procurement discrepancies and stakeholder concerns.
Requirements
To succeed in this role, candidates must meet specific federal criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-6 level.
- Documentation: A resume of no more than two pages is mandatory.
- Compliance: Must complete all required background checks and seasonal influenza vaccinations.
Salary and Comparison Table
The salary range for this position is $54,370 to $70,682 per year.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Grade | GS-7 |
| Location | Vancouver, WA |
| Schedule | Full-time (Mon-Fri) |
| Status | Competitive Service |
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs enjoy a robust benefits package, including competitive health insurance, generous pension plans through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), and significant paid time off.
Application Tips
- Be Specific: Explicitly detail your duties, dates of employment, and hours worked.
- Check Your Pages: Do not exceed two pages; excess information can lead to disqualification.
- SF-50 Accuracy: Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates your time-in-grade eligibility.
If you have the procurement skills and the heart to serve our Veterans, we encourage you to apply. Join the VA team today and help us provide the care our heroes deserve.
Why This Lead Purchasing Agent Job Matters
Take the lead in supporting our nation's heroes by joining the VA Portland Health Care System as a Lead Purchasing Agent.
Lead Purchasing Agent Job Overview
The VA Portland Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Lead Purchasing Agent to join our Logistics Service team. In this role, you will be instrumental in procuring essential supplies, equipment, and services that directly impact the high-quality care provided to our Veterans. As a leader, you will mentor a team of Purchasing Agents, ensure compliance with procurement regulations, and maintain efficient inventory workflows in a fast-paced medical environment.
Requirements for Lead Purchasing Agent
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 level
- Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements if you are a current or former federal employee
- Must complete an online assessment
- Must be able to pass a background/security investigation
- Must maintain compliance with the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Must submit a resume not exceeding two pages
Preferred Qualifications for Lead Purchasing Agent
- Prior experience in medical supply procurement
- Proven leadership experience in a procurement or logistics setting
- Expertise in government purchase card regulations and micro-purchase thresholds
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Generous paid leave and federal holidays
- ✓Retirement savings plans (FERS)
- ✓Career growth opportunities within the Department of Veterans Affairs
- ✓Supportive work-life balance
💡 How to Apply Lead Purchasing Agent Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Lead Purchasing Agent Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or fewer.
- Submit your online application and questionnaire before the closing date.
- Complete the required USA Hire Assessments if prompted.
- Attach all necessary supporting documents, including SF-50s.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly shows your hours worked per week.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page limit requirement.
- Do not include personal information like photos or Social Security numbers on your resume.
- Check your USAJOBS dashboard frequently for status updates.
- Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the page limit for the resume?
Per updated federal guidelines, your resume must be no longer than two pages to be considered.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite position located in Vancouver, Washington.
What does a Lead Purchasing Agent do?
You will lead a team of three or more agents, conduct micro-purchases, handle medical procurement, and resolve discrepancies in shipments or orders.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Portland Health Care System is dedicated to providing world-class medical care to our nation’s Veterans. As part of the Veterans Health Administration, we strive to fulfill the promise of care for those who served. Our logistics teams are the backbone of our operations, ensuring that doctors, nurses, and staff have the tools and supplies they need to deliver exceptional patient care.