Procurement Services Lead

Please note that strong internal candidate(s) have been identified.

The University of Saskatchewan has some of the most innovative people doing groundbreaking research and pedagogy. The Procurement Services Lead is a key member of the Enterprise Procurement team that provides strategic analysis and support to colleges and units in order to procure the goods and services they need to achieve their goals, while balancing value, timeliness, risk, and cost.

The university offers flexible work arrangements; access to the university’s recreation services; ongoing professional development and mentorship and a comprehensive benefits and pension program.

Primary Purpose: The Procurement Services Lead is responsible for leading procurement strategy formation and implementation, providing oversight for certain procurement execution activities, problem solving complex procurement requests, and supporting the development of Procurement Officers. The successful candidate will oversee the daily and strategic operations of select procurement categories, including but not limited to the identification and implementation of contracting strategies, and stakeholder engagement to support procurement planning. As a procurement leader on campus, this position is expected to provide mentoring and guidance to other members of the procurement team across the organization and to act as an ambassador for procurement within the campus community.

Nature of Work: Working in a team environment, the Procurement Services Lead leads a team of Procurement Officers and supports, enables and guides the daily procurement activities within select procurement categories in support of the universities research programs, academic mission and critical operational activities. This position will also offer feedback and potential solutions for process improvements that support continuous enhancements to the service performance of Enterprise Procurement.

Accountabilities

- Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• Develop sourcing strategies for assigned categories to achieve the college and/or unit objectives.
• Support or perform RFx drafting, lead RFx evaluations, negotiate and implement procurement contracts, for a variety of goods and/or services including Master Services Agreements, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) agreements, and technical equipment (including maintenance) contracts.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, colleagues, vendors, regulatory bodies, and other agencies, as needed.
• Work with Legal, Finance, Risk Management, and other applicable departments to coordinate source-to-contract execution.
• Seek solutions that will improve procurement procedures and processes within assigned categories and provide advice on related technical decisions and recommendations.
• Act as a subject matter expert and lend this expertise to client departments as needed for the purposes of resolving issues or providing mentorship to procurement staff.
• Work effectively with other offices (ConnectionPoint, Strategic Business Advisors, Colleges/Units), to gain a comprehensive understanding of organizational requirements and strategic priorities.

• Ensure our commitments to courageous curiosity, boundless collaboration, and inspired communities are integrated throughout all projects. The USask community is committed to and inspired by these actions as they provide endless benefits of the nīkānītān manācihitowinihk | ni manachīhitoonaan (“Let us lead with Respect”) university plan.

• Other duties as assigned.

- Team Support and Engagement

• Oversee and monitor day-to-day Procurement Services team activities to maintain and improve service levels;
• Identify training needs, and pursue cross-training and development of team members on key processes and systems;
• Optimize resource allocation across Procurement Services function including providing role clarity;
• Set clear team goals, including work prioritization and activity delegation, to aid the advancement of Procurement Services goals;
• Manage team Human Resources activities, including vacation requests, career engagement, and recruitment activities.

- Financial & Contract Management

• Monthly reporting on projects and priorities;
• Ensure accurate and timely procurement savings capture and reporting;
• Oversee contract management activities, including opportunity identification, negotiations, renewals, and so on.

- Tools and Processes

• Monitor procurement processes and seek ways to improve and drive efficiencies.

Qualifications

Education: University or post-secondary education in a relevant field, preferably in Business or Operations Management. SCMP designation or post-graduate education in business or related field is considered an asset. An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.

Experience:

• Relevant experience in procurement, supply chain management, or operations management with increasing levels of responsibility and authority is
• Experience developing RFx and/or sourcing, negotiation, and contracting strategies is
• Experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment is required.
• Previous experience with competitive procurement, and contract law is necessary.
• Strong and proven contracts/business acumen is required.
• Knowledge and understanding of issues, including cultural, socio-economic and other factors affecting Indigenous Peoples and an awareness that Indigenous engagement is a strategic priority at the University.
• Familiarity with e-procurement processes and systems is considered an asset.
• Experience with public procurement considered an asset, but not required.

Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral; strong customer service skills; demonstrated proficiency in analytical and negotiation skills; demonstrated ability to problem solve under deadline pressures and competing priorities; demonstrated ability in handling procurement within an ERP system; proven Microsoft Office application skills, including SharePoint and expert MS Excel skills; case management system experience would be considered an asset; and demonstrated collaboration capabilities within a team environment.

Department: Operational Procurement
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $83,468.00 - 139,027.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 3
Posted Date: 2/22/2024
Closing Date: 2/28/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 2
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php