Manager - Procurement and Contract Management

This posting is open to current employees at the University of Alberta only. Please indicate your internal status using the "Advertisement" drop down menu when applying.

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

This posting is advertising for 2 full-time positions.

In accordance with the Administrative and Professional Officer Agreement , this full-time continuing position offers a comprehensive benefits package found on our Benefits Overview page and annual salary range of $72,625 - $121,041.

Location - Work primarily takes place at North Campus Edmonton.

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Working for Finance, Procurement and Planning

Finance, Procurement and Planning is responsible for financial reporting, resource planning, procurement, investments & treasury, and risk management & insurance. We have a team of service partners who work closely with the faculties, units and staff across the institution to provide excellent client service.

Our Procurement team is responsible for the purchase of goods and services, contract management, vendor management, customs services, travel management, equipment services, compliance risk and insurance.

Position 

The Procurement Managers report directly to the Director of Procurement & Logistics. The Managers are responsible for providing leadership and direction to a team of 16 procurement professionals and support staff.

They work directly with staff to define operational priorities in alignment with the strategic direction. They implement operational plans based on these priorities by assigning the right resources to achieve results and respond to University-wide requirements.

They establish clear performance expectations for the area and team members; measure performance regularly and recognize achievement. They hold themselves and the area accountable for meeting performance objectives.

Apply university policies, precedents and procedures to decision making within the areas of accountability which may require interpretation and the balancing between competing priorities. Escalates decision making when impacts are beyond the area of accountability or when decisions are precedent setting.

Designs and implements solutions for operational challenges. Makes continuous improvements to services, programs and operations to increase performance and deliver results.

Demonstrates responsible use of resources (physical, human and financial) while encouraging feedback relating to the Procurement and Contract Management department from the campus community.

Liaises with suppliers, contractors, industry leaders and internal clients to ensure their needs are considered and managed; while ensuring all trade agreements are adhered to by University clientele. 

In all facets of this role, this position endeavors to integrate and advance the University’s commitments to equity, diversity and inclusivity.

This position understands, fulfills, and promotes the health, safety and environment responsibilities identified in university policy.

Duties 

• Stewardship of the administrative process for acquisition of goods and services on behalf of the University.
• Oversees the development, management and direction of the competitive bid process, ensuring fairness and transparency.
• Assist internal staff & clients with specification development, statement of work, defining needs and understanding bid requirements as well as a clear understanding of legal issues, trade agreements and regulations relating to bid processes.
• Actively pursues continuous improvement opportunities that support service initiatives for the unit and the entire University.
• Directs, coaches and mentors Supply Consultants, Senior Supply Consultants and Contracting Specialists on procurement strategies and processes.
• Assign work and projects to staff on a daily basis ensuring deadlines and requirements are met by balancing and adjusting workloads or shifting resources.
• Participates in recruitment processes for the Procurement & Contract Management unit.
• Participates in development, implementation and revision of policies and procedures as necessary to assist the departments and clients by defining requirements while reflecting best practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• University degree, ideally in business, and professional certification in the supply management field (Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation or equivalent).
• Minimum of 7-10 years diversified supply chain management experience and senior management experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of University procurement policies, procedures, competitive bid law, trade agreements (e.g., Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT), New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA)) and advanced supply management strategies and techniques.
• Knowledge of contract law and understanding of legal language related to contracts and agreements.
• Strong understanding of the current marketplace to manage clientele requirements.
• Strong understanding of the University environment (i.e. research community, administrators, central administrative units) or the equivalent of a large complex organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong oral and written communication and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership, coaching and mentoring skills.
• Strong organizational skills to coordinate resources, work activities and workflow.
• Strong computer and technical skills including use of internet, desktop applications (Word, Excel, Outlook), Google workplace, E-Procurement Solutions and PeopleSoft applications.
• Strong interpersonal skills including handling difficult staff, clientele and suppliers.
• The ability to anticipate potential problems and contentious issues.

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.