Purchasing Manager

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core values, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity. Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and is expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate-aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities, and a resilient and future-ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community. Administers procurement processes (tenders, proposals, consultant selection) for client groups including: preparing documentation, evaluating bids, vendor performance evaluation, bid debriefing, and overall contract support. Administers the online bidding system. Supervises a Procurement Assistant, Procurement Analyst, and co-op student. Administers procurement functions for client groups. Works with clients to establish project specifications/requirements. Advises on procurement practices/principals, purchasing by-law, and related legislation. Participates in the tender, proposal, and consultant selection process for projects. reviews, analyzes and evaluates submissions per purchasing by-law, policies, and procedures. Analyzes and participates in evaluating submissions, ensuring legal and technical compliance. Recommends awards for Council/CAO approval and prepares related reports for Council/CAO, for manager approval. Oversees the preparation of purchase orders for bids awarded. Monitors (in conjunction with clients) vendor performance on contracts, including during probationary period, to ensure work is completed per contract terms/conditions. Facilitates performance meetings with clients and vendors, and mediates issues with same. Explains procurement processes, requirements, and outcomes to vendors; Responds to public inquiries/complaints. Responds to inquiries and provides information related to procurement processes/methods to Regional staff, vendors, and the public. Negotiates contracts to meet client requirements related to contract performance and technical, pricing, terms, and conditions. Administers electronic bidding website. Liaises with corporate IT and vendor to ensure system compatibility. Provides information to management and for municipal benchmarking. Conducts training related to procurement practices, including changes to the purchasing by-law to Regional staff. Interprets sales tax rulings and applies tax and commodity codes to purchase requisitions. Coordinates and verifies cross-border purchases for customs clearance. Has signing authority for purchase requisitions and invoices. Has a purchasing card. Consults with senior management and Legal Services on complex, political, or litigious issues. Knowledge and skills normally acquired through a Bachelor’s degree (e.g., Business Administration, Supply Chain Management), plus Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMA) designation or a Certified Professional Procurement Officer (CPPO) designation, plus progressively responsible public sector experience. vendor evaluation performance; report writing; Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures; procurement principles, standards, and guidelines; Combines Investigation Act, Sale of Goods Act, health and safety, construction lien, labour relations, contract law, taxes, customs, special licenses), and collective agreements. Research, analytical, organizational, problem solving, and continuous improvement skills to ensure accuracy of information/data; research purchasing methods, vendors, market conditions and technological changes; identify issues and make recommendations/decisions related to vendor performance and contractual issues; and apply financial principles and product life-cycle techniques to purchases. Human relations and communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, government agencies, vendors, and the public; interview sales and technical representatives; Ability to write formal communications, including technical product specifications, detailed terms and conditions, reports and rationales, and correspondence. Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, inventory (e.g., Oracle) and document management systems, and a bidding/tender website. Ability to travel within and occasionally outside Waterloo Region. Full-Time Backfill, due to retirement Purchasing Corporate Services Region of Waterloo is committed to building a workforce through fair, equitable, and accessible hiring practices that allow us to hire qualified staff who reflect the diversity of the community we serve and