Purchasing Specialist

(Regular Full-Time)
 
The City of White Rock is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is committed to promoting and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our teams and a more vibrant community starts with you! In return for your valued contributions, you can expect a competitive compensation package and the opportunity to work with an outstanding team.

Position Overview
The Financial Services Department seeks a Procurement Specialist who is a self-motivated individual to join their department. The Procurement Specialist work to develop corporate purchasing strategies, standards, procedures and internal control systems; recommends and implements new and revised practices and processes; performs all purchasing functions including preparing requests for proposals and evaluation criteria, as well as the more complex and unusual purchasing functions; and ensuring that purchasing practices comply with established standards and laws. The successful candidate will also provide advice and guidance to departmental clients on complex purchasing issues and carry out complex purchasing work of a special project nature. The work is performed under minimal supervision ensuring that judgment and action is exercised within the framework of established policies, standards, and budget constraints.
 
This position reports to the Director, Financial Services.

Requirements:

• Develops purchasing strategies and ethical standards, evaluating and monitoring corporate procurement needs and overseeing the City’s annual purchases; recommends, develops and implements purchasing practices, processes, procedures and internal control systems; ensures that purchasing practices are consistent with established standards and applicable laws.
• Maintains liaison with senior staff to remain apprised of upcoming projects and contracts.
• Prepares competitive bid documents such as tenders, requests for quotations and proposals for major items based on specifications of user departments; sets up and leads evaluation processes; resolves bid irregularities; performs price and cost analyses; negotiates acceptable prices, terms and conditions; conducts follow-up as necessary; manages contracts after award.
• Conducts tender openings, mandatory public meetings, and site visits.
• Develops requirements and implementation plans for vendor evaluations; evaluates and oversees the effectiveness of the vendor evaluation process and performance criteria; assesses supplier performance and establishes standards.
• Carries out special studies or projects related to purchasing operations and problems; researches markets to identify cost drivers, trends and competitive environment for large purchases; provides assistance with budget development and analysis for tendered projects; analyzes operations for standardization opportunities; serves as team lead for the procurement and upgrades to the ERP system.
• Provides assistance, guidance and expertise to user departments regarding procurement issues and requirements. Liaises on the development of specifications, terms and conditions for incorporation into bid documents; determines appropriate method of procurement based on estimated expenditure.
• Drafts contract language according to precedent; researches and obtains information and material required from a variety of sources.
• Reviews all bids/contracts to ensure appropriate purchasing treatment including levels of indemnification and to verify required insurance and bonding certification; administers and monitors awarded service and purchase contracts.
• Advises and assists departmental clients and suppliers regarding purchasing problems and requirements, specifications, contracts and details of goods and services to be purchased; liaises with external and internal contacts such as engineers, lawyers, architects, project managers, vendors and mechanics; attends meetings related to the work and may serve on committees as required.
• Maintains purchasing records and prepares summary statistical and information reports.
• Provides advice and training to departments on procurement and other supply matters; explains policies and procedures, legal and ethical concerns; provides advice on procurement risk.
• Performs research and analysis of products, services, supplies, materials and equipment and prepares reports and recommendations on purchasing of same.
• Represents the City in meetings of the Cooperative Purchasing Group.
• Consults with professional staff to develop strategies to resolve disputes with contractors and consultants; negotiates with contractors and consultants to resolve disputes and clarify discrepancies.
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications 
Your qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Commerce, supplemented with a minimum 5 years’ senior purchasing experience. In addition, you must have a valid BC driver’s license. Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) from the Supply Chain Management Association (SCMA), or equivalent certification (required.
 
This is a unionized position at a Pay Grade 26 $46.07 - $54.44 (2024 rates). If your experience and education have prepared you for success in this role and you are committed to working in a manner that supports a respectful, healthy, and safe environment, we invite you to apply. Please submit your cover letter, resume, required certifications and a current driver’s abstract for consideration by the application deadline.
 
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Submit your Application: Apply online at www.whiterockcity.ca/jobs
Recruitment Reference: 2023-23
 
Thank you for your interest. Only selected applicants will be contacted.

Organization: City of White Rock

Region: Lower Mainland

Posted: April 25, 2024, 2:22 pm

Expires: May 15, 2024, 4:30 pm

Employment Type: Full Time
Employment Length: Permanent
Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree
Job Experience: 5 years or more
Rate: $46.07 to $54.44 Hour