Public Sector Procurement Specialist

On behalf of our public sector client, Affinity is looking for a Public Sector Procurement Specialist to be responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement lifecycle while ensuring compliance with legislative, regulatory, and organizational policies. This role emphasizes expertise in procurement processes, contract management, and supplier relationships. The individual will optimize procurement processes, provide strategic oversight, and serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in procurement best practices and policy compliance.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Procurement Management:

• Plan, organize, and coordinate centralized procurement activities.

• Provide oversight and ownership of the public procurement bid process.

• Define and document procurement processes, and standard operating procedures (SOPs), and implement efficiency enhancements.

• Promote a customer-focused culture within the procurement function.

Procurement Execution:

• Manage full-cycle non-product procurement, including sourcing initiatives, RFx management, and contract awards.

• Authorize procurement transactions within the assigned authority, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and completeness.

• Develop and implement strategies to improve procurement effectiveness and reduce lead times.

Policy and Compliance:

• Maintain in-depth knowledge of procurement bylaws, policies, and regulations, including trade agreements and provincial procurement acts.

• Ensure compliance with policies and adapt to emerging legislation or regulations.

• Track and report deviations from policies and recommend corrective actions.

Supplier and Contract Management:

• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring adherence to governance structures and resolving supplier issues proactively.

• Negotiate, create, and administer complex supplier contracts, mitigating risk to the organization.

Collaboration and Consultation:

• Guide internal stakeholders regarding procurement strategies, supplier qualifications, and legislative compliance.

• Recommend innovative strategies to reduce costs, mitigate risks, and enhance service delivery.

• Work closely with legal teams to address contract and risk-related issues effectively.

Reporting and Systems Management:

• Prepare internal and external reports and respond to requests for information.

• Maintain knowledge of procurement systems and ensure optimized processes and efficiencies.

• Troubleshoot and implement solutions to improve system performance and adherence to best practices.

Qualifications:

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in procurement.

• Expertise in contract law, procurement legislation, trade agreements, and sustainable purchasing practices.

• Proven ability to manage complex procurement scenarios with professionalism and accuracy.

• Strong understanding of policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Excellent time management, organizational, and prioritization skills.

• Creative problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on relationship-building and influence.

• Customer service-oriented, with the ability to manage internal and external stakeholders tactfully and effectively.

Technical Proficiency:

• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly in Excel.

• Experience with financial and procurement systems, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 or similar platforms.

• Familiarity with public procurement platforms like NBON or e-sourcing tools like Bonfire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation or equivalent certification.

• Education in supply chain and procurement from a recognized institution.

• Experience in IT procurement or public sector procurement.

• Bilingualism in both official languages is an asset.

Affinity Earn:

Know someone who’s great for this, or any of our open roles? Earn up to $4,000/year for each successful referral through Affinity Earn. You can also earn up to $50,000 for helping us find new clients. Learn about our referral program at https://affinity-group.ca/earn/ or browse our jobs & follow us at https://www.linkedin.com/company/affinity-staffing/jobs/

About Affinity:

Affinity Group is a technology and business consulting and services company. We believe in creating long-term relationships between clients and consultants that foster a mutually beneficial partnership. Affinity is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

For more information on Affinity, please visit www.affinity-group.ca

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Job Number: 11369