Job description:

JOB SUMMARY:

Supply chain is a rapidly moving and ever evolving space. This role will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the SaskPower Procurement department department to ensure alignment with industry best practices.  This role provides significant value to the corporation to ensure SaskPower is leveraging it’s spend to ensure best value for SaskPower and our shareholders.  This role will integrate reporting and strategic planning to enhance efficiency, ensure operational coverage, and transform daily operational reports into actionable insights that inform strategic decision-making

As a Procurement, Contracts, and Category Management Strategist, this role will play a pivotal role in aligning procurement and contract activities with broader business goals, optimizing supplier relationships, and driving value across the organization.

As a member of SaskPower’s management team, this position is responsible to act as a central point of contact in the management and administration of strategic and operational functions, providing expert advice and direction that aligns with departmental and corporate goals and objectives.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Leading strategic sourcing best practices and high-value contract negotiations advice to a department of procurement buyers and contract administrational personnel.

• Using data analysis to inform strategy, identify efficiencies, and drive continuous improvement.

• Ensuring alignment across sourcing, contract management, and supplier performance.

• Enhancing procurement processes through integration and collaboration across departments.

• Supporting local and diverse supplier development while managing risk and compliance.

• Plan, research, develop, evaluate and implement processes, policies and procedures utilized for the development of strategies and business initiatives that address the organization’s requirements

• Serve as a subject matter expert in strategic sourcing, contract management, and category management by developing and implementing best practices, coaching management staff, and providing guidance on the effective administration and interpretation of industry standards in these areas.

• Identify new business solutions and operational efficiencies, while providing recommendations which have a significant impact on SaskPower’s business operations and strategies

• Lead and/or participate in cross-functional projects to provide functional expertise for corporate and departmental strategic planning initiatives

• Represent the department and prepare and present material to internal and external audiences as required

• Maintain knowledge of industry developments and best practices related to area of specialization and adapt them to SaskPower’s operational environment

• Provide leadership and direction to project teams and/or assigned staff as required

  Strategic Procurement & Category Leadership

  • Develop and execute category strategies that align with public sector mandates and support financial sustainability in a transitioning utility industry.
  • Lead market analysis and supplier segmentation to identify cost efficiencies, innovation opportunities, and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure procurement activities comply with government regulations, trade agreements, and internal policies.

  Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Facilitate collaboration between procurement, contracts, and supplier relationship management teams to ensure cohesive strategy execution.
  • Engage internal stakeholders to understand evolving needs and ensure procurement solutions support workforce development and customer value.

  Technology Enablement & Process Optimization

  • Leverage SAP and other digital tools to streamline procurement processes, enhance data visibility, and support strategic decision-making.
  • Champion automation and analytics to improve procurement efficiency and reduce manual effort.
  • Identify and implement process improvements that align with future utility workforce capabilities.

  Governance, Reporting & Compliance

  • Ensure procurement and contract activities meet audit, compliance, and transparency standards required in the public sector.
  • Develop and report on procurement KPIs that demonstrate value delivery, cost savings, and strategic alignment.
  • Support internal and external audits with accurate documentation and proactive risk management.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

•    Degree in Business Administration, Commerce or other related equivalent AND/OR;

•    Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation would be considered an asset AND/OR;

•    Five (5) years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, and category management, with a strong emphasis on analysis, data-driven decision making and strategic reporting to inform departmental strategy. 

•    Familiarity with and have operated within an environment that employes Category Management principles and practices. 

•    Aptitude and demonstrated experience in complex data analysis, benchmarking, data modeling and strategic sourcing plan development.

•    Team player with the ability to build and maintain strategic relationships both internal and external to SaskPower

•    Results oriented thinker, with the ability to manage and provide advice regarding complex and confidential issues with sensitivity and professionalism

•    Excellent analytical, research and problem solving skills

•    Excellent oral and written communication skills

•    Ability to work and manage in a changing environment

•    Excellent facilitation, project management and decision making skills

•    Ability to foster a culture focused on safety, innovation and teamwork

•    Demonstrated skill in SaskPower’s competencies

•    Must have a continuing record of professional development

A suitable combination of relevant education and experience may also be considered