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Procurement Compliance Officer

Fermilab · Batavia, IL · $124,800–$164,200 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 12, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you led a contractor purchasing system through a DOE or federal approval or review.

What they are checking: Whether they have done the core task of getting a procurement system approved, which this role owns.

Tell me about compliance training you built. How did you know it changed behavior?

What they are checking: Whether their training leads to fewer errors, not just completion records.

How do you stay helpful to procurement staff while also being the person who audits them?

What they are checking: Whether they can be both a resource and a check without losing trust from buyers.

Tell me about a time you had to push back on a senior leader who wanted to move faster than the rules allowed.

What they are checking: Whether they hold the line on compliance under pressure while offering a lawful path forward.

What would you do

A subcontract file review shows a buyer skipped required competition documentation on several awards. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can correct the problem, fix the root cause and decide what to disclose without a blame-first approach.

DOE disagrees with one of our procurement practices. How do you handle the conversation alongside the CFO?

What they are checking: Whether they can represent the organization credibly while staying open to the customer's concerns.

About the work

How would you structure a compliance self-assessment of the procurement system so it finds real problems?

What they are checking: Whether they design assessments that test actual files and practices rather than just checking that policies exist.

What FAR and DEAR flow-down issues come up most often in subcontracts at a management and operating contractor?

What they are checking: Whether they know the federal regulations that govern purchasing under a DOE prime contract.

How do you keep policies and procedures current when regulations and the prime contract change?

What they are checking: Whether they have a system for tracking changes and updating guidance before staff fall out of compliance.

How do you prepare for an external audit of the procurement system?

What they are checking: Whether they keep documentation ready and know what auditors will sample.

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The full job description

As published by Fermilab.

The expected hiring range for this position is: $124,800.00-$164,200.00. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. This position does not provide sponsorship. About the Role: Fermilab’s Finance & Procurement Division seeks a Procurement Compliance Officer . While w orking under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer, the Procurement Compliance Officer ensures the Fermi Forward Discovery Group (FFDG) Procurement System is compliant with the Prime Contract with the Department of Energy (DOE). This person will develop and maintain the Procurement System (including Policies and Procedures). This individual will coordinate compliance self-assessments, subcontract file reviews, audits, and compliance training activities. In consultation with Chief Financial Officer, responsible for communication with DOE on procurement matters. What your day-to-day as a Procurement Compliance Officer at Fermilab will look like: • Develop and maintain the Procurement System. • Lead Department of Energy (DOE) approval of the Procurement System. • Assist procurement staff in complying with the Purchasing System. • Review procurement and project documents for compliance issues and recommend improvements. • Train procurement staff on compliance issues. • Review procurement organization activities for compliance with the Prime Contract and the Purchasing System. • Analyze compliance data and reports recommendations for improvement. • Make recommendations on metrics that evaluate the compliance and effectiveness of the procurement process. • Lead and coordinate self-assessments including subcontract file reviews; DOE Balanced Scorecard; and compliance audits. • Lead department preparation for independent review accomplished by DOE’s Procurement Evaluation and Reengineering Team (PERT). • Verify completion of compliance corrective actions. • Advise Legal Officer on subcontract terms and conditions issues. • Coordinate procurement compliance issues with legal. • In consultation with Acquisition Officer, communicate with DOE on procurement matters. • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor. • Abide by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position. Essential Competencies and Attributes for Success: • Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, finance, economics, public administration or related field and 10+ years of practical experience. • 7+ years of Government Contractor compliance, purchasing, subcontracting, contracting, auditing or legal experience required. Professional certification, such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Procurement Manager (CPM), Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), certificates regarding federal government contracting. Master’s Degree in Business or Supply Chain is preferred. Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: • Proficiency in Federal Procurement practices. • Extensive knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Work Arrangement: Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final. • Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office. Benefits/Perks: Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including: • Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts • Paid time off • Life insurance • Short and Long-term disability insurance • Retirement benefits • Onsite day care Why Fermilab: Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole. Pre-Employment Screening: Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening. HSPD-12 In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment. Foreign Government Sponsored Activities Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel. REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf . If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview. Equal Opportunity Statement Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

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