Program Manager, Contract Services at York Region (The Regional Municipality of York)

Almost 1.3 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2051. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Manager, Facilities Operations and Maintenance, this position is responsible for leading the full procurement and contract management lifecycle function for Property Services. This role provides expertise in sourcing, contract development, award, and post-award contract lifecycle management. It is accountable for the development and approval of contract documents, determination of procurement methodologies, trade agreement analysis, quality assurance of procurement documentation, and oversight to ensure alignment with corporate procurement governance requirements. This role leads a team of contract services staff responsible for Property Services contracts, drives continuous improvement to ensure effective contractor performance and risk management, and leads the modernization of procurement practices, systems, and contract management tools.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Collaborates/works with stakeholders and follows the corporate strategic leadership, planning and direction related to this function.
• Provides leadership for the Contract Services program, overseeing the administration and execution of procurement processes and contract lifecycle activities for Property Services.
• Serves as a voting member of the Procurement Review Committee (PRC), contributing to adjudication of bid irregularities, bid disputes, non standard procurements, and other complex procurement matters.
• Establishes and enforces internal procurement quality controls within Property Services, reviewing and approving procurement documentation to ensure accuracy, audit readiness, and adherence to corporate standards, while mentoring staff on procurement best practices.
• Leads the development of category management strategies within Property Services using spend analytics, market intelligence, and operational requirements to guide sourcing and commercial planning decisions.
• Provides strategic advisory services to Property Services leadership, including procurement forecasting, contract renewal planning, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Oversees post-award contract management activities and holds contractors accountable for performance, service delivery standards, and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Monitors performance metrics, addresses service deficiencies, and drives continuous improvement initiatives.
• Leads contract execution oversight and dispute resolution activities, serving as the primary escalation point for contractual matters and liaising directly with Legal and other subject matter experts as required.
• Leads modernization initiatives within the Contract Services program, including improvements to processes, templates, systems, and performance frameworks.
• Conducts negotiations within competitive and non-standard procurement processes and contract amendments.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a Community College Diploma or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Successful completion of one of the following certification programs:
  • Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC)
  • NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP CPP) from the NIGP Certification Commission.
  • Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP)from Supply Chain Canada (SCC)
  • Certified Supply Chain Leader (CSCL) from the National Institute of Supply Chain Leaders (NISCL)
  • Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) from the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM),
• Minimum five (5) years’ progressively responsible experience in a public sector environment in procurement, and 1 year of demonstrated people leadership experience gained through supervising staff and/or leading projects, working groups, committees, or organizational initiatives that require collaboration, influence, and accountability for results.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating competitive procurement processes for the purchase of goods and services.
• Comprehensive knowledge of facilities services, property maintenance requirements, and vendor management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Standards, Acts and Regulations.
• Ability to demonstrate the Region’s leadership and corporate core competencies.