ASSOCIATE SPECIALIST - SPECIALIST - Small Business Program at Southwest Research Institute - Fulltime
JOB DESCRIPTION
Purchasing Program Compliance Group Small Business Office Position
The Purchasing Program Compliance Group's Small Business Office promotes small business participation and ensures supplier compliance with federal requirements, including procurement quality assurance, contract compliance reporting, and supplier risk management. We seek a proactive, highly motivated professional who excels in a collaborative environment and demonstrates strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to adapt effectively to changing priorities.
Objectives Of This Role
Establish, develop, and sustain strong, mutually beneficial relationships with small business suppliers to support organizational objectives and ensure alignment with company goals.
Collaborate with procurement and buying teams to identify opportunities for small businesses and actively advocate for initiatives that advance organizational small business goals.
Develop, implement, and manage subcontracting plans to meet small business participation requirements in accordance with client, contract, and regulatory standards.
Partner with technical stakeholders to support small business objectives by identifying opportunities through targeted market research and supplier analysis.
Assist in the planning, execution, and promotion of outreach events in coordination with relevant associations and external organizations, as business needs require.
Daily And Monthly Responsibilities
Partner with business development and proposal teams to support proposal activities, including identifying qualified small businesses and drafting, reviewing, and updating Small Business Subcontracting Plans.
Provide training, guidance, and subject-matter expertise to internal stakeholders on small business subcontracting requirements, compliance expectations, and best practices.
Review Small Business Subcontracting Plans and deliver strategic recommendations to strengthen small business participation and enhance proposal competitiveness.
Track and analyze subcontracting performance metrics, including small business utilization, and prepare required government reports such as SF 294 and SF 295.
Participate in outreach events, workshops, and networking activities to promote small business engagement, support organizational objectives, and maintain compliance with subcontracting and development requirements.
Requirements
Requires a Bachelors degree in Business, Contract Management, Supply Chain, or a related field. Masters degree is preferred.
1-3 years: Demonstrated experience in business outreach and development, building strategic partnerships, resolving conflicts with tact, negotiating agreements, and maintaining productive, professional relationships with diverse stakeholders.
1-3 years: Working knowledge of federal contracting regulations and systems (FAR, DFARS, eSRS), with the ability to analyze and clearly present market research, business strategies, and performance metrics to internal and external stakeholders.
1-3 years: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Adobe, with excellent organizational and time-management skills, and the ability to communicate effectively and professionally across diverse technical and business audiences.
1-3 years: Proven proactive problem-solver with a resourceful, results-oriented mindset, demonstrating initiative and adaptability while delivering effective solutions in dynamic environments.
A valid/clear driver's license is required.