Assurance Specialist

Location: North York, ON – Hybrid 2-3 days per week

Contract Duration: 6 months with a possibility of extension (option to extend by an additional 2+ years)

Working Hours: M-F 35 hours per week

Job Title: Assurance Specialist

Position Summary

The Assurance Specialist plays a key role in maintaining effective governance, compliance, and performance across all commercial contracts. This position ensures that all contractual obligations are met, risks are managed, and financial recoveries are optimized through detailed assurance reviews, stakeholder collaboration, and continuous process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Governance & Compliance

• Ensure effective governance and compliance across all commercial contracts in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor, analyze, and manage contract performance to confirm fulfillment of obligations and accuracy of payments.
• Conduct assurance reviews and internal audits, preparing clear findings and escalation reports for management.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve overpayments, discrepancies, or non-compliance issues to recover costs and prevent financial risk.
• Maintain accurate QA and assurance documentation to ensure audit readiness.

Stakeholder & Vendor Engagement

• Collaborate with vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders to validate findings, negotiate corrections, and align on revised payment terms.
• Chair negotiation meetings for non-compliance matters, documenting minutes and ensuring agreed resolutions.
• Provide expert guidance to end users and staff on contract administration practices.
• Respond to supplier inquiries or complaints, representing the organization's position professionally while fostering positive relationships.

Process Improvement & Reporting

• Collect, analyze, and report on key governance metrics (e.g., compliance rates, documentation completeness).
• Develop evidence-based recommendations to enhance governance frameworks and strengthen commercial assurance.
• Contribute to reports highlighting assurance practices, cost savings, and special findings for senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement of contract management processes, promoting transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency.

Contract Administration Support

• Coordinate day-to-day post-award contract administration and pre-award activities for complex, high-value construction, engineering, and design/build contracts in line with corporate procurement policies.
• Review and recommend revisions to statements of work, scopes of services, and technical specifications.

Organizational Values

• Promote a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Qualifications & Experience

• Strong expertise in contract management, governance, and commercial assurance with proven ability to interpret complex contractual terms.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in contract management, assurance, or related functions—preferably in the public sector.
• Advanced analytical and numerical skills for financial reviews and payment validation.
• Skilled negotiator with proven ability to resolve discrepancies and secure vendor alignment.
• Strong understanding of procurement, engineering, or construction contract principles and union/trade agreements.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code and accessibility requirements.

Education

• Completion of a university degree or college diploma in Business, Commerce, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant experience will be considered.

Assets

• Professional certification in contract or commercial management (e.g., CIPS, IACCM/WorldCC).
• Experience within public sector or transit contract environments.
• Exposure to internal audits, quality assurance, or risk management functions.
• Familiarity with contract management or enterprise content/document management systems.