Mission

The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) is the largest school board in western Canada with over 144,000 students and 16,000 employees. Our mission: Each student, in keeping with their individual abilities and gifts, will complete high school with a foundation of learning necessary to thrive in life, work and continued learning. We pride ourselves in the values we hold. Students come first. Learning is our central purpose. Public education serves the common good. The CBE encourages an inclusive and equitable workplace, which supports our diverse student and employee community. We encourage all applicants to join our dynamic, diverse, and collaborative culture and welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

When you apply to the CBE, you can feel good about serving our future leaders and contributing to student success.

Support Staff Temporary Roster

CBE Human Resources manages a roster of contingent casual on-call workers who are engaged to temporarily replace staff absences and to work on short-term projects. Work assignments may be scheduled in advance or the morning of the assignment. Roster staff enjoy the flexibility of working in schools and departments full-time or part-time with a minimum commitment of two days availability per week. If you are looking to work casually or if you would like to gain experience to move into a regular position, the Support Staff Temporary Roster maybe the opportunity you are looking for.

By joining the CBE as a temporary Buyer, Procurement Services you will enjoy:

• A great work environment with an organization that makes a difference in the lives of students every day;
• Salary range $35.60-$45.12 per hour (Grade G), plus 6% vacation pay;
• Opportunities to advance your career.

Position Description

Purpose
The purpose of this position is to maintain current knowledge of market and industry trends so that professional purchasing assistance and instruction can be provided to all Schools and Service Units at the Calgary Board of Education.

Accountability
This position is accountable for the judicious procurement of assigned commodities, ensuring the end user receives the correct product as requested, at the best value-added price, and in a timely manner, utilizing a sophisticated computerized purchasing, and financial system.

Major responsibilities

• Works with Service Units and Schools to assess users' needs, determines appropriate product and service specifications and prices, researches market for suitable solution and ensures required items are sourced and available. Ensures that goods purchased meet specifications and standards and arrange testing if required.

• Serves as a resource to Service Units and Schools pertaining to new products available, current prices or availability of materials. Acts as front line representative and liaison between Service Units, Schools and outside vendors, interpreting purchasing policy and procedures as they relate to the situation. Mediates conflicts between end users and vendor or carrier as required.

• Works jointly with Finance & Business Specialists within the Collaborative Learning Communities (CLC) to ensure users' needs and expectations are met. Attends meetings when invited to discuss various aspects of product acquisition, development, and process. Participates, as a representative of Purchasing Services, in reviewing procedures, identifying purchase improvements, recommending value-added procedures, and implementing and evaluating purchasing programs.

• Ensures Service Unit and School personnel and vendors adhere to ethical purchasing practices by providing formal and/or informal information sessions and one-on-one meetings when required. Resolves related problems and/or issues that occur as required.

• Recommends alternate products or other solutions proactively regarding the provision of goods and services to Service Units and Schools as appropriate.

• Participates in and provides advice regarding the development of Request For Proposal (RFP), Request For Information (RFI), quotation, and tender specifications and prepares and issues documents for specific items and/or for volume purchases. Reviews and evaluates completed bid documents from vendors and negotiates contracts with successful bidders. Issues award letters to all vendors who participated in the bid process indicating the successful bidder and the total contracted price. Issues letters to unsuccessful bidders initiating debriefing sessions if required.

• Maintains current knowledge of Federal and Provincial regulations and how they affect purchasing procedures to ensure all competitive bid documents confirm to the Agreement on Internal Trade specifications and that all bids are posted on the electronic tender website. Ensures all correct and applicable Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) legislation clauses appear in tenders, RFP, RFI, quotations and contracts issued on behalf of the Service Units and Schools and that the integrity of the Board is maintained within these clauses.

• Utilizes the Oracle Financial system to generate computerized purchase orders from electronic on-line requisitions for goods, materials or services required by Service Units, Schools, Inventory, or Facility Services.

• Establishes a list of acceptable vendors for tender, quote, or direct purchase. Ensures vendors are able to meet requirements for design, cost, quality, quantity, delivery date, and that they are up-to-date on current market trends.

• Coordinates purchasing projects as assigned including systems contracts, and preferred vendor agreements and capital projects. Records and tracks equipment purchases, equipment service/maintenance schedules, and equipment life expectancy by means of spreadsheet software.

• Initiates action on product defects, shortages, or damages to determine the source of the problem and ensures that defects are rectified.

• Reviews catalogues and attends seminars.

• Maintains records associated with purchasing and ensures accuracy of all related data. Coordinates delivery of goods and services and expedites over-due orders as required. Expedites problems with payments. Provides input for the Approved for Purchase Catalogue/database.

• Represents the Purchasing Services work unit on committees as required.

• Performs other related responsibilities as assigned to meet the purpose and accountabilities of the role.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• A post-secondary degree in Supply Chain Management.

• Two years demonstrated successful buying experience in a recognized purchasing environment.

• An equivalent combination of directly related post-secondary education and directly related experience may be considered.

• Experience/knowledge in microcomputer software applications required.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of Oracle financial systems software would be an asset.

• Demonstrated written and strong verbal communication skills.

• Ability to develop positive customer service relationships.

• Effective interpersonal skills.

• Personal suitability.

• This position requires personal transportation to conduct job responsibilities.

• Understanding of Contract legal terms and conditions.

Conditions of Employment

Police Information Clearance: Applicants new to the Calgary Board of Education who are offered employment must complete and pass a police information clearance before employment is confirmed.

Be Part of Our Success

A career with the CBE offers incredible opportunities, rewards and supports.

Land Acknowledgement

The Calgary Board of Education acknowledges the traditional territories and oral practices of the Treaty 7 Nations, including the Siksikaitsitapi Nations, Tsuut'ina Nation, and the Îyârhe Nakoda Nations. We acknowledge the Métis Nation within Alberta, and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of southern Alberta. As a learning organization, we are committed to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action focused on Education for ReconciliACTION.