Procurement Officer

Description:

Under the leadership of the Director of Strategic Procurement and Compliance, the Procurement Officer ensures efficient and compliant procurement operations aligned with Ontario’s Broader Public Sector Procurement Directives and relevant legislation. The role involves researching and preparing procurement data to achieve the best price, delivery, and quality for goods and services. The Officer supports faculty and staff with sourcing scenarios, group buying opportunities, and manages the full procurement cycle, including sourcing, tendering, negotiating, contracting, and supplier management.

Responsibilities also include coordinating customs activities, administering the Corporate Credit Card program, and providing procurement guidance to university departments.

Key Activities and Responsibilities:

Procurement Sourcing:

• Review purchase requisitions for various commodities (Facilities, Research, Operating funds)

• Determine acquisition processes to ensure best price, quality, and delivery

• Prepare competitive and non-competitive procurement documents (RFP, RFQ, Tender, etc.)

• Evaluate bids, negotiate contracts, and manage vendor relations

• Analyze procurement trends, discounts, and savings opportunities

• Promote accessible, sustainable, and socially responsible purchasing aligned with university priorities and legislation

Procurement Activities:

• Maintain supplier and department relationships ensuring procurement meets needs

• Authorized to approve purchases within delegated authority

• Assist in purchase requisitions and recommend sources

• Ensure compliance with audit requirements (e.g., Canadian Foundation for Innovation)

• Maintain and support online ordering systems and follow up on purchase orders

• Manage supplier negotiations for returns and shipment issues

• Ensure procurement compliance for chemicals and hazardous materials

Corporate Credit Card Program:

• Administer onboarding, reporting, client support, training, and approvals

• Prepare monthly and ad hoc transaction reports

• Promote credit card use for efficiency and rebates

• Collaborate with Accounts Payable on payment methods

Vendor Database Maintenance:

• Manage vendor records ensuring accuracy and legitimacy

• Vet vendors to mitigate fraud risks

• Maintain vendor payment information and terms

Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to contract laws, legislation, trade agreements, and procurement directives

• Maintain procurement documentation for seven years

• Promote procurement ethics and best practices

• Analyze complex procurement issues in consultation with the Director

Education Required:

• University Degree (3 years) in Business or Supply Chain Management

• Certified Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMAO) or equivalent procurement certification (CPPB, CPPO, CSCMP, SCC)

Experience / Qualifications Required:

• Minimum 5 years procurement experience

• Knowledge of procurement business systems and procure-to-pay workflows

• Strong understanding of Ontario’s Broader Public Sector Procurement Directive, trade agreements (CFTA, CETA), vendor arrangements, tax, customs, accessible and sustainable procurement, and buying techniques

• Satisfactory Police Record Check within past 6 months required