Senior Procurement Officer

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 purpose of this position is to support faculty, staff, and researchers across the university in meeting their procurement and logistical needs through the provision of expert advice, guidance, and exceptional service.

Nature of Work: Working in a team environment, the Senior Procurement Officer is accountable for collaborating with colleges/units to facilitate the procurement process by assessing needs, gathering requirements, guiding vendor selection, and supporting the effective execution of the contracting processes in accordance with university policy and guidelines and relevant legislation. This role will have a heavy focus on procurement activities within our Services categories, therefore specialized knowledge relating to consultant contracting is considered an asset to guide the team and clients appropriately. This position will also offer feedback and potential solutions for process improvements that support continuous enhancements to the service performance of Enterprise Procurement.

Accountabilities

• Ensure requests for the procurement of goods, services, and construction that are received are supported through to completion of the source to pay cycle, including verifying and obtaining the appropriate authorizations
• Assist partners in planning their procurement needs and gathering requirements
• Act as a subject matter expert and lend this expertise to client departments as needed for the purposes of providing procurement solutions and contracting strategies
• Execute and record purchase orders and contracts based on approved terms and conditions or agreements while ensuring due diligence in the procurement process
• Negotiate with vendors and partners to achieve best value for the university
• Establish and maintain relationships with vendors, external and internal stakeholders 
• Proactively seek opportunities to add value to the university, through cost savings, revenue generation, enhanced value for money, higher quality services, or any similar opportunity
• Continuously research and monitor trends that may have an impact on procurement services
• Support the identification, development, and implementation of category management and category strategies developed by Category Specialists.
• Work with Legal, Finance, Risk Management, and other applicable departments to coordinate timely and efficient resolution and/or routing of outstanding procurement enquiries and associated administrative processing
• Reduce risk by remaining current with and adhering to university policies, guidelines and processes, collective agreements and relevant legislation including trends that may have an impact on procurement
• Respond to and resolve complex procurement enquiries and associated administrative processes through use of multiple procurement and supply management resources and tracking systems, software applications and technical support tools (e.g. knowledge base, case management system)
• Evaluate processes and identify opportunities to continually improve procurement services and operations
• Work effectively with other offices (ConnectionPoint, Strategic Business Advisors, Colleges/Units)

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.
• Familiarity with e-procurement processes and systems is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of IT, technical and software contracting is ideal.
• 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.