Manager - Strategic Procurement - Procurement Services at University of Prince Edward Island

The University of Prince Edward Island is seeking a Manager of Strategic Procurement. Reporting to the Director of Finance, the successful candidate will focus on developing strategic procurement initiatives in support of the UPEI Strategic Plan (2025-2030)

This position is responsible for the leadership and administration of Procurement Services and will manage and oversee university purchasing to ensure transparency, fairness, impartiality, and compliance with legislation and University policies and procedures.

What we offer:

• Flexible work arrangements
• 23 Days annual vacation plus university holidays
• Comprehensive health and dental coverage
• Post-retirement benefits
• Tuition waivers – self, spouse and dependents
• Access to the Health and Wellness Centre for staff and immediate family members
• Professional development opportunities

RESPONSIBILITIES:

In recent years, the University has purchased over $85 million annually in goods, services and construction. As Manager of Strategic Procurement, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

Strategic Procurement

• Implementing strategic procurement initiatives, including but not limited to:
  • Analyzing and documenting university spend and supply chains to identify opportunities for risk mitigation, and cost efficiencies
  • Exploring and identifying value-added opportunities, including working collaboratively with government and post-secondary partners, preferred suppliers, and service providers
  • Working with campus partners to establish a sustainable procurement framework, including environmental, ethical, and accessible procurement initiatives
• Overseeing the preparation and administration of tenders, requests for proposals, and any other applicable public procurement processes
• Staying current on industry best practices, emerging issues, supply chain risks and legislation to ensure the proper procurement strategies are utilized
• Ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, university policies and procedures

Supplier & Contract Management

• Managing new and existing supplier relationships, including:
  • Expanding the preferred and pre-qualified vendor database\
  • Execution of master service agreements
  • Negotiating contract terms and conditions, as required
• Developing vendor performance evaluation policies and practices

Process Improvement

• Providing direction and expertise in procurement policies, procedures, and process improvement opportunities
• Fostering a culture of continuous improvement and customer service

Leadership & Team Development

• Building effective working relationships with other campus leaders, advising and providing guidance on procurement standards
• Enhancing resource materials and information sharing of procurement practices to educate campus users
• Managing the shipping, receiving, and mail services logistics for the campus
• Leading the day-to-day operations of the Procurement and Shipping and Receiving team, including mentoring, training and performance evaluations

QUALIFICATIONS:

The position requires the following qualifications and skills (demonstrated equivalencies will be considered):

• Undergraduate degree in business administration, supply chain management or a related discipline
• Recognized professional procurement or supply chain management designation is an asset (CSCMP/CPPB/CPPO/NIGP-CPP/Other). Designations-in-progress or willingness to obtain a designation will also be considered
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive procurement experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Procurement experience in the public sector, post-secondary, or a large, complex organization is preferred
• Strong working knowledge and understanding of the marketplace, Canadian Public Procurement legislation, trade agreements, and industry practices
• Experience with ERP systems, procurement and tendering software
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic procurement initiatives that support organizational goals
• A demonstrated commitment to service excellence through continuous process improvement
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively with diverse groups
• Supervisory experience within a unionized environment is an asset