Purchasing Agent

**Division**:
Procurement & Strategic Acquisition

**About Us**:
Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.

Please note that the Niagara Region requires that all newly hired employees are to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of being hired and provide proof of full vaccination, or provide proof of a bona fide medical or Human Rights Code exemption on a form issued from and approved by Niagara Region.

**JOB SUMMARY**:
The Purchasing Agent is responsible for facilitating the formal procurement processes to obtain goods and services on behalf of the Niagara Region, which meet the criteria of either a Tier 2 or Tier 3 procurement project.

The Purchasing Agent takes the required steps to supply internal customers with an uninterrupted flow of goods and services, placing an emphasis on quality and best value to satisfy the requirements for consistency, fairness, equity and transparency while maintaining a focus on maximizing competition.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**EDUCATION**:

- Post-Secondary Diploma in Business Administration, Materials Management, Purchasing and Supply Management or other related field.
- Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) and/or Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or Supply Chain Management Professional designation (CSCMP)
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

**KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE**:

- Minimum four to five years of procurement experience required; preferably within a public sector employer
- Must possess knowledge in any legislative requirements as it applies to Municipal Government including tendering law, Municipal Act, risk management and health and safety, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
- Prior experience overseeing a variety of procurement projects, with increased budgets up to $8 million dollars; multiple phases and/or sub-procurements; which require legal and regulatory compliance; with noted political sensitivity; with aggressive timelines and/or structured schedules and with environmental impacts an asset.
- Experience interpreting and executing legal agreements is an asset.
- Working knowledge of end to end procurement procedures, techniques and methodologies, including tendering, evaluation, contract development and negotiation and contract management
- Knowledge of procurement standards and ethics of the Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA), National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), and Supply Chain Canada
- Knowledge of contract law, trade agreements, tax legislation, Municipal Act, and risk management as it relates to bidding and contract management
- Experience working with an Enterprise Financial Management System is an asset
- Demonstrated intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel and PowerPoint

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**SKILLS**:

- Demonstrated communication, customer service and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated analytical skills with the ability to identify trends in data and improvements to work processes.
- Strong organizational and problem solving skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a demanding environment
- Demonstrated initiative and have a strong attention to detail & high level of accuracy
- Demonstrated skills of tact, diplomacy and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
- Ability to work independently with mínimal supervision and equally effective in a Team environment exchanging information and providing support, guidance and mentorship to team members and clients.

**SPECIAL CONDITIONS**:

- Must be capable of maintaining professional objectivity in order to perform consistently with the philosophy and objectives various programs.
- Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons.

**Closing Statement**:
Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY