Manager, Procurement at Thompson Rivers University

The Manager is responsible for managing the staff, acquisition and disposal of goods and services (Procurement Function) ensuring that TRU conducts its procurement business in an open, fair and transparent manner. The role of the Manager, Procurement is one of a consultative and facilitative nature assisting the various TRU divisions with the procurement of goods and services while ensuring that all applicable TRU policies, procedures, federal and provincial legislation and regulations governing the acquisitions of goods and services are adhered to.

The Manager, Procurement reports to the Director, Supply Chain Management and has direct supervision of the transactional processing areas of the Procurement Function.

This position is an integral part of the senior Financial Services team and works collaboratively with all Directors and Managers in the team to achieve the strategic and operational goals of the Financial Services division and the University. Specifically the team is responsible for the full scope of financial services and will work together to prepare financial statements, analysis, internal and external reporting, review and implement new systems, business processes, procurement, warehousing and internal controls.

The Manager, Procurement is responsible for obtaining goods and services for TRU while demonstrating:

• That all procurements and procurement processes are characterized by the highest level of institutional and personal integrity;
• That the procurement process is open, fair and transparent;
• That all qualified vendors are given the opportunity to compete for TRU's business;
• That goods and services received represent best value for the expenditures.

The scope of this position includes ongoing assessment and streamlining of services provided to all internal and external customers that require the services of the Procurement Function department, however, the primary group will include: Employees, Managers and Vendors.

Specific Accountabilities:

• Responsible for the daily operational functions and the long term planning for the Procurement Function in congruency with TRU's vision and the achievement of the Financial Services Division goals and objectives.

• Establishing goals and objectives, performance standards, motivating, training, directing and evaluating the performance of staff.

• Responsible for planning, development, administration and security of assigned systems and procedures to ensure appropriate levels of internal control.

• Serve as a procurement resource and provide consultation and guidance to the TRU community with respect to product sourcing, competitive bid processes, contract management, risk assessment and mitigation; vendor/contractor qualification, negotiation and development; dispute resolution, relationship and performance management.

• Works with the management team to ensure compliance with applicable tax legislation and regulations (including but not limited to GST, PST).

• Develop and manage the competitive bid process including writing of documents.

• Develop, negotiate, and administer university-wide agreements for broadly used commodities and services.

• Assists the Director, Supply Chain Management, to develop and implement a strategic direction for the procurement division.

• Investigate and facilitate best practice methodologies for TRU by providing tools to enable self-sufficiency and operational efficiency.

• Manage and administer procurement programs (including but not limited to Purchasing Card, Preferred Vendor Contracts, and e-procurement).

• Monitor compliance with TRU Purchasing policies and procedures and recommend changes resulting from evolving requirements, procurement tools, and methodologies.

• Manage the Surplus Disposal policy and program.

• Assist TRU divisions in developing contracts for goods and services. Liaise with TRU legal to help develop contract terms and conditions.

• Participate on various campus committees regarding current and new procurement initiatives.

• Promote procurement effectiveness through consultation and training services.

• Establishes key performance indicators and benchmarks that are consistent with other universities and public sector operations.

• Maintains currency in procurement knowledge, industry advances and technology and improves and implements new technologies.

• Other duties, reports or assignments as delegated or assigned.

REPORTS TO

Director, Supply Chain Management

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications and Experience:

• Professional Purchasing designation (SCMP).
• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum 5 years managerial experience in purchasing roles including supervisory experience and electronic procurement practices.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Able and committed to promote and provide a high value of customer service.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, lead and motivate staff to achieve goals.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills.