Procurement Specialist

Position Title: Procurement specialist

Position Type: Permanent Full-time

Location: Mississauga, ON

Job Band: 9

Salary Range: $35.98 - $42.99/hour

Hours of work: 36.25 hr/week

Reporting to: Manager, Procurement

This posting is applicable to: Internal/External Applicants

Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) is a Crown agency responsible for skilled trades certification in Ontario, which includes:

• Establishing apprenticeship programs, including training standards, curriculum standards and certification exams.
• Assessing experience and qualifications of individuals who have not completed an apprenticeship program in Ontario.
• Issuing Certificates of Qualification in all trades with certifying exams.
• Renewing Certificates of Qualification in compulsory trades.
• Maintaining a Public Register of people authorized to work in compulsory trades.
• Conducting research in relation to apprenticeship and the trades.

STO is looking for the role of Procurement Specialist, who will report to the Manager, Procurement and will be responsible for leading all procurement and vendor management services across the STO, related to acquisition of goods and services to support STO operations. This role will involve ensuring all procurement programs and practices adhere to the Ontario Public Service Procurement Directive and the STO procurement policy. This role will also manage vendor relationships, ensuring cost-effective purchasing practices and adherence to contract requirements. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in procurement, particularly in a government entity or highly regulated industry, vendor management, strong leadership skills, and a strategic mindset to drive efficiency and value for the STO.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement procurement and vendor management strategies aligned with the STO’ business goals and objectives.
• Utilize in-depth understanding of organization's strategy and mandate, combined with knowledge of procurement planning principles, to enhance, streamline and drive procurement activities.
• Consolidate and transform data into clear actionable and meaningful reports for audiences at all levels.
• Lead the procurement and vendor management initiatives independently with minimum to no support in achieving high performance, continuous improvement and STO’s growth objectives.
• Collaborate with Senior Leaders across the organization to align procurement and vendor management activities (including long-term and short-term plans) with organizational priorities.
• Update the Senior Leadership Team regularly on the status of organizational procurements, providing strategic advice as needed to ensure business goals and objectives are being met.
• Lead procurement training initiatives across the organization to ensure comprehensive understanding of procurement, compliance requirements, and vendor management policies, procedures and best practices.
• Identify gaps for procurement area to eventually move the function toward a best-in-class procurement function.
• Deliver best in class procurement services to STO in accordance with government OPS directives, policies and procedures.
• Implement best practices in procurement to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and mitigate risks.
• Ensure goods and services are procured only after consideration of both financial and non-financial factors, including government objectives, conflicts of interest, intended outcomes, business requirements, procurement alternatives, timing, supply strategy, and method.
• Apply processes and procedures that ensure money is spent with due regard for effectiveness and efficiency, including consideration for comparative pricing options and cost reduction.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions to ensure favorable outcomes for the organization.
• Make independent decisions and use judgement, by examining data, policies, trade agreements, procurement directives and current legislative rulings/regulations to draw valid conclusions.
• Monitor vendor performance and develop scorecard tracking and make recommendations to senior leaders as needed.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with procurement and vendor management activities.
• Analyze procurement data and trends to provide insights and recommendations for cost optimization, etc., to business areas and senior leaders.
• Stay informed about market trends, industry developments and changes to government directives and policies that may impact procurement and/or vendor management.
• As required, present value for money analysis upon expiry/extensions of contracts to demonstrate vendors fulfilled required objectives.

Qualifications:

• College or University degree with a specialty in procurement or business administration, finance or process improvement engineering or any other related field.
• Proven years of experience in procurement.
• Experience with procurement systems and processes in the public sector.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful procurement strategies.
• Experience in Procurement within Ontario Public Service, Broader Ontario Public Service, Federal or Municipal Public Service, highly regulated industry or similar field/industry is preferred.
• Experience with public tendering websites such as MERX, Biddingo, Bids & Tenders, Bravo, Jaggaer or others is preferred.
• CSCMP (Certified Supply Chain Management Professional Designation) International Accreditation is an asset.
• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) is as asset.
• Project management certifications like PMP or Prince2 are an asset.

Knowledge of:

• Procurement Process Knowledge: Understanding of the end-to-end procurement lifecycle, including RFx processes.
• Knowledge of relevant best practices in procurement and vendor management in the public and private sectors.

Skills Include:

• Communication: Ability to clearly convey information and collaborate with stakeholders at various levels.
• Negotiation: Strong skills in negotiating contracts and terms with suppliers.
• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying issues and developing effective solutions.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in procurement documents and compliance with policies.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing project requirements and timelines.
• Leadership: Guiding and mentoring junior staff and leading project teams.
• Contract Management: Expertise in drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts.
• Market Research: Ability to conduct market scans and research to support procurement planning.
• Compliance: Knowledge of relevant policies, directives, and legislation.
• Project Management: Developing and managing project plans, timelines, and deliverables.
• Analytical Skills: Evaluating supplier proposals and making data-driven decisions. Ability to analyze complex data and make strategic decisions.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with procurement software (e.g., PeopleSoft, Service Now) and public tendering platforms (e.g., MERX, Biddingo).
• Financial Acumen: Understanding pricing models and financial implications of procurement decisions.

*This position is represented by OPSEU.

*Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

We thank all applicants for their interest and will contact those whose skills, knowledge, and experience most closely match the requirements of the position.

Skilled Trades Ontario embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and Skilled Trades Ontario’s Accommodation Policy, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to Skilled Trades Ontario. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.

Skilled Trades Ontario is an equal opportunity employer.