Buyer

Job summary

The incumbent is responsible for managing purchasing activities, including processing purchase orders and maintaining vendor relations in compliance with university policies. They will also assist clients with specifications, conduct market research, and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.

Job details

Department: Procurement OperationsPosition covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120 Temporary full-time from 11/23/2026 to 09/17/2027 Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. Career Opportunities (sapsf.com) General Purpose Under the supervision of the Manager, Purchasing Operations, the incumbent is responsible for conducting purchasing activities in an ethical, accountable and transparent manner while maintaining good vendor relations and upholding the University’s reputation as fair to all potential suppliers. University policies, departmental guidelines, legislative requirements and established purchasing practices are incorporated into day-to-day work, in addition to meeting departmental objectives for good value and timely service. Duties and Responsibilities Include, but not limited to: Purchase Order Processing Issue, modify or cancel purchase orders as required. Assist clients with obtaining quotes and confirming specifications with suppliers. Conduct market research in support of client’s needs. Review and update requisitions, ensuring all required information and approvals are included. Identify purchases that should be made through Preferred Suppliers. Ensure contracts are in place and correctly executed where required. Enter contracts in the database and monitor contracts for upcoming expiries. Update purchase orders. Investigate price discrepancy issues and make corrections as needed. Identify opportunities for efficiencies or continuous improvement. Other duties as assigned by the Purchasing Manager. Guidance and Training Advise clients on Purchasing policies and procedures and applicable trade treaty and regulatory requirements. General Administrative Responsibilities Follow University policies and procedures as related to procurement.•Manage and prioritize workload in a very fast paced environment. Identify potentials for cost savings or contract opportunities. Requirements Post-secondary 2-year diploma in Purchasing, Business Accounting or related field. Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Buyer for a non-profit or profit organization; Broader Public Sector entity preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. CPPB designation or equivalent level in other Canadian designation granting entities is preferred. Experience with a computerized purchasing system. Experience working with payments services. Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team. Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills. Employee Type: Regular Position Number: 10925207 Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 5 USW Local 4120 Wage Grid *Tentative evaluation; subject to final review. At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution. Posting Date: 11/05/2026 Closing Date: 11/12/2026

What you’ll do

The incumbent is responsible for managing purchasing activities, including processing purchase orders and maintaining vendor relations in compliance with university policies. They will also assist clients with specifications, conduct market research, and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a 2-year post-secondary diploma in Purchasing, Business, or Accounting and at least 2 years of relevant experience. Proficiency with computerized purchasing systems and strong organizational and communication skills are required.

Listed skills

• Procurement · Preferred
• Data entry · Preferred
• Regulatory Compliance · Preferred
• Attention to detail · Preferred
• Communication Skills · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Purchase Order Processing
• Procurement
• Vendor Relations
• Market Research
• Contract Management
• Data Entry
• Price Discrepancy Resolution
• Regulatory Compliance
• Organizational Skills
• Attention To Detail
• Communication Skills
• Computerized Purchasing Systems
• Payment Services
• Communication
• Operations
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Detail Oriented
• Ethical Standards And Conduct
• Vendor Relationship Management
• Accounting
• Purchasing
• Order Processing
• Diversification (Investing)
• Certified Professional Public Buyer

Job areas

• Administrative
• Finance & Accounting
• Government & Public Sector
• Logistics
• Buyer
• Buyer (General)
• Buyers
• Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
• Buyers and Purchasing Agents

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