The Purchasing Services Department provides procurement and supply management services with responsibility to acquire goods and services for the University community and its affiliates.

Services include needs assessment, market research, sourcing, public procurement process, proposal evaluations, recommendation for award, negotiations, contract formation and commitment, contract management, supplier quality and performance reviews, logistics, customs and brokerage, asset disposal and revenue recovery, client relations, and general supply management.

The Purchasing Services Department is committed to establishing a best-in-class procurement and supply management team that becomes a reliable, solutions-oriented partner helping deliver best value-for-money to University of Victoria (UVic).

Purchasing Services applies triple bottom line principles to procurement processes, incorporating financial, social, and environmental considerations to purchasing decisions.

Reporting to the Director, Purchasing Services, the Commercial Contracts Manager (the manager):

Provides leadership, managerial, and strategic operational support for UVic's commercial supply contracts and service agreements activities and functions. Oversees the day-to-day drafting, negotiation, and formation of commercial contracts for the supply of goods and services to the university within the framework of the Purchasing Policy. Provides commercial contract advice to the Purchasing Services team, faculties, and functional units.

The Manager Is Principally Tasked With The Following

Lead a team of procurement professionals and support staff to effectively deliver commercial contracts for the university. Ensure UVic commercial contracts adhere to University policies, legislation, triple bottom line principles, public procurement requirements, industry regulations, and professional practices. Develop the skills and capabilities of team members to promote contract compliance, risk mitigation, and best value-for-money. Provide guidance, direction, and leadership to faculty and staff in contract review, negotiation, and drafting. Lead the development of programs and initiatives to achieve Service Excellence and mitigate procurement risks in commercial contracts. Enhance relationships with UVic internal clients and the supplier community. Serve as a member of the Purchasing Services leadership team and assist in developing, implementing and advancing the mission and strategic initiatives of Purchasing Services and the Vice President, Finance & Operations (VPFO). Represent Purchasing Services on university committees and be an advocate for the department on matters related to procurement and commercial contracts.

The work primarily focuses on contract drafting and review, advising on procurement matters and supply contract negotiations, liaising with General Counsel and others on legal issues and contract risks, researching various areas of commercial contracts, and advising on the application of university policies.

This role demands strong attention to detail and long periods of concentration. There will be pressures associated with working under deadlines, conflicting stakeholder interests, and workload fluctuation.

Undergraduate degree in business administration or a related discipline and a Law degree, plus 5 years' experience, including experience with contract review, drafting, formation, negotiation, administration, claims and dispute avoidance and mitigation, and project execution, preferably in a university environment.

An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience And Knowledge Requirements

Experience supervising and motivating a team to deliver service excellence and continuously improve outcomes. Knowledge of statutes, by-laws, procedures, policies, agreements, operations, roles and functions relating to public procurement and commercial contracts. Knowledge and proven ability to interpret University policies and procedures.

Competency Requirements

Expertise in all aspects of commercial law, including general contract principles and boilerplate, non-disclosure agreements, supply of goods and services arrangements, and information technology systems. Superior insight into best practices in the field of commercial contracts and public procurement, and the ability to interpret and adapt such practices within the context of UVic. Exceptional interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with various internal and external stakeholders. Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to exercise tact and patience in managing confidential or sensitive matters. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to speak and write about complex legal issues, facilitate training, and build consensus. Exhibits a high level of integrity, credibility, sound judgment, resourcefulness, and confidence along with a high level of energy and enthusiasm. Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail. Flexibility to respond to unique and complicated situations. Assertive when required and making tough decisions

Assets

Experience in commercial law, public procurement, and operations management.