Purchasing Supervisor

**Overview**

**Why Lethbridge?**Lethbridge offers an ideal mix of work and lifestyle for professionals and families. Just two hours from Calgary and an hour from the U.S. border, it boasts a sunny climate, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community. With nearby outdoor adventures, 70+ parks, cultural attractions, and a short commute, Lethbridge provides the perfect balance between career growth and quality of life. Life in Lethbridge offers the best of both worlds—the welcoming charm of a close-knit community and the amenities of a growing urban center. Come see why so many professionals and families are making Lethbridge their home

The City of Lethbridge Purchasing Department has an exciting career-building opportunity for an experienced Purchasing Supervisor to join our team of professionals in a permanent capacity. This position works closely with all City Departments in procuring and contracting a variety of goods and services; and brings solutions that add value to both the City’s inventory management capabilities, as well as for business units.

**Job Posting**

**STATUS**: Full Time Permanent

**HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 hours per week; Monday to Friday**

Reporting directly to the Supply Chain Manager, you will work with a team of professionals as they conduct business in this fast-paced and constantly changing environment. More specifically, you will be directly involved in bid document preparation and management, vendor communication, procurement approvals, policy adherence and coordination of contracts with the Solicitor’s Office. You will promote open, fair and transparent procurement processes ensuring equal opportunity for bidders on all City business opportunities and must work closely with all City Business Units to ensure their requirements are met in an effective and efficient manner.

**In this role, you will**:

- Provide leadership and guidance to Corporate Procurement & Tenders staff with responsibility for selection, training, supervision and evaluation.
- Manage activities within the Purchasing department.
- Oversee three corporate buyers, and one admin staff.
- Promote an open and transparent procurement process in accordance with City policies and Trade Agreements.
- Procures goods and services by analyzing the need, recommending the appropriate acquisition methodology and coordinating posting of RFX on public procurement sites when required.
- Identify, track and report on key performance indicators that are designed to reduce expenses and improve departmental effectiveness.
- Monitor and oversee RFX evaluations to ensure compliancy and fairness in selection of successful suppliers.
- Negotiate fair and reasonable terms with suppliers.
- Meet with vendor representatives for debriefs and aide in resolving any disputes with vendors.
- Provide support to the Procurement Manager for bid protests.
- Liaise with the City Solicitor’s Office and Risk Management regarding contract documentation.
- Formulate and implement policies, processes, and procedures to improve accuracy and efficiency of the department.
- Advise internal clients pertaining to market conditions, policies, regulations, legislation and strategies in developing budgets, planning projects, framing business cases and buying decisions.
- Adhere to company policies, procedures, and ethics codes and ensure that they are communicated and implemented within the department.
- Consult with the Supply Chain Manager about current activities within departments, and any significant changes in the marketplace.
- Assess, manage and mitigate risks.

**Qualifications & Experience**:

- Bachelor’s degree in a business-related discipline is a strong asset.
- Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation from the Purchasing Management Association of Canada or Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) from the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing is required.
- A minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated tendering/contracting experience in a public sector environment with familiarity in Tendering Law and rules of competitive bidding is required.
- Demonstrated experience in managing RFX processes, contract negotiations, vendor management, and risk mitigation.
- Experience in developing and implementing procurement policies and procedures.
- Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills including planning, organizing, evaluating, motivating and managing teams.
- Solid understanding of business principles and procurement best practices.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across departments and with external vendors.
- Sound judgment with the ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Advanced problem-solving, analytical, and research skills to address complex procurement challenges and develop strategic solutions.
- Ability to assess and mitigate risks, negotiate fair terms, and ensure compliance with trade agreements and internal