Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Manager(s), Procurement Services, the incumbent organizes, directs and executes procurement activities related to the acquisition of a variety of commodities and services, which may include capital projects (“construction”) and/or specialized scientific research equipment on behalf of academic, administrative, ancillary and other departments of the University. The incumbent elicits functional and performance requirements from clients and project managers, conducts market research, explores collaborative purchasing opportunities, and conducts a competitive and public process in compliance with all relevant provincial, federal, and international laws, directives, and policies, with a view to procuring and establishing new contracts for required goods and/or services. The incumbent investigates and proposes programs and/or procedures to improve procurement processes (e.g., drafting, evaluation, contract negotiation, etc.), and strengthen vendor relationships and performance outcomes. The incumbent is responsible for developing and maintaining effective relationships with and between clients, stakeholders, decision-makers and vendors, which may impact the University’s reputation with the vendor community as well as research partners at other higher education institutions or research centers. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the procurement process, obtaining the best value for the University, achieving savings, minimizing risk, and ensuring project success. Moreover, the role maintains a commitment to advancing sustainability, equity, diversity, and inclusion at Carleton University.

Qualifications:

The incumbent must possess the following qualifications:

• Thorough knowledge of procurement procedures and practices as well as relevant university policy and procedures, a basic knowledge of contract law and a complete understanding of ethical standards of the profession.
• The incumbent must be completely conversant with product and service terminology and thought processes in order to understand the requirements, particularly for large and/or complex projects or products.
• The incumbent must use judgement, initiative and knowledge of university rules, regulations and culture to develop and implement solutions for problems.
• The incumbent must interact with a wide variety of business and academic professionals, must portray and demonstrate confidence and therefore possess sound knowledge of the profession.
• The incumbent must pursue a continual awareness of changes in market conditions, government regulations, trends in public and private sectors, manufacturing processes, by intensive study through relevant public procurement organizations (e.g. Canadian Public Procurement Council or similar) and construction industry seminars and courses.
• Maintains a high level knowledge of developments in all areas related to Procurement Services, including legal precedents in procurement and policies relevant to contract negotiations and tendering.
• Must be able to communicate effectively, professionally and with confidence with vendors, department heads and researchers.
• The incumbent must be very organized, work in collaboration with other teams, and liaise with both internal departments and external organizations with interests related to procurement and system issues.
• Must have demonstrated financial and technical (e.g. use of key software systems) aptitude; strong organizational skills and leadership skills; meticulous attention to detail; accuracy, flexible, tact, initiative; sound judgment and patience, good public relations skills, able to work well within a team atmosphere.
• Must use own initiative and assume responsility/ownership of job functions.
• Must be able to meet deadlines and handle matters of a confidential and sensitive nature in an appropriate manner.

Education and Experience:

The above is normally acquired through the completion of:

• Three-year post-secondary education (e.g., degree or diploma) in business administration, procurement, or other relevant field of study.

• Completion of foundational courses in relevant procurement certificate programs with a focus on public procurement (e.g., UPPCC, NASPO, NIGP, OPBA).

• Minimum five (5) years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in a publicly-funded environment (e.g., university, college, government agency, etc.).

Assets:

• Certification or active enrolment in a professional procurement program (e.g., CPPB, CPPO, CSCL)
• Other compliance-based work experience outside of procurement
• Experience with procurement or contract administration in a construction or scientific research environment.

HR Note:

Equivalencies will be considered. Applicants are encouraged to provide information which may demonstrate equivalent qualifications. Please note that applicants may be required to complete an employment test as part of the selection process for this position. Those applicants that are selected for an interview will be requested to contact the Human Resource Advisor assigned to this competition as soon as possible to discuss any accommodation requirements. Arrangements will be made to accommodate your request in a timely manner. Carleton University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our University including, but not limited to: women; visible minorities; First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expressions.