Senior Contracting Officer

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

Candidates are asked to self‑declare when applying to this hiring process.

City: Within a National Research Council Office across Canada

Organizational Unit: Finance and Procurement Services Branch

Classification: PG-4

Tenure: Various Tenures

Language Requirements: Bilingual BBB or English essential

Work arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position may be eligible for a limited hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required.

The role

We are looking for a Senior Contracting Officer to support our Finance and Procurement Services Branch. The Senior Contracting Officer will share our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity and work under the guidance of the Director of Procurement Services and/or the Manager of Procurement Services.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Senior Contracting Officer with responsibility for sourcing a wide variety of goods, services and construction associated with complex contracts and procurement activities.
• Develop and prepare complex contracts for procurement of non‑routine and technologically advanced commodities or long‑range services; issue international tender invitations; evaluate responses to tender and make recommendations for finalization of purchases and award of contracts; sign procurement orders up to the authorized limit; and, where necessary, prepare submissions to the Contracts Committee for review and approval.
• Advise requisitioning units and recipient entities on the full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance throughout the procurement cycle with a particular focus on sole source justification, urgency, quality and best value to provide strategic advice and viable solutions.
• Apply LEAN procurement methods to reduce turnaround time for clients.
• Establish the needs for standing offers and supply arrangements to speed up purchasing processes and reduce execution times.
• Establish and maintain work program and schedule for ongoing contracts and newly planned ones.
• Conduct market research to keep abreast of market developments and analyze statistical data and market reports on the world commodity situation, production patterns and availability of goods and services.
• Identify new technologies and products/services, evaluate and recommend potential supply sources, and participate in incorporating research results into the procurement program.
• Oversee adherence to contractual agreements, recommend amendments and extensions of contracts, and advise concerned parties on contractual rights and obligations.
• Prepare solicitation documents, contracts, communications, guidelines, instructions and related materials.
• Provide guidance to new and junior staff.

Screening criteria

Education

As a minimum, candidates must have a Secondary School Diploma according to provincial standards or a degree from a recognized college or university, or an acceptable combination of secondary school education, training and three (3) years of relevant contracting experience performing a broad range of complex procurement activities. An SCMP (Supply Chain Management Diploma/Certification) or working towards the designation would be considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, contract administration or logistics and supply chain management or related area.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in conducting tender exercises to award contracts for procurement of complex goods and services.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP or similar, and/or e‑tendering systems.
• Experience in procurement processes and procedures supporting research centers or federal organizations.
• Experience with business intelligence systems and data analysis.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status: Verification of background information over a period of five (5) years is required.

Language requirements

Bilingual BBB or English essential. Information on language requirements and self‑assessment tests is available.

Assessment criteria

Technical competencies

• Advanced knowledge of all phases of the procurement cycle.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, principles and policies in procurement.
• Advanced knowledge of various procurement methods.
• Knowledge of trends, developments and challenges in public and private sector procurement.
• Ability to interpret, analyze and apply contracting policy.
• Knowledge of MS Office Suite (Excel & Word) and SAP material management.

Behavioural competencies

• Client focus (Level 2)
• Communication (Level 2)
• Initiative (Level 2)
• Teamwork (Level 2)

Compensation

From $92,985 to $106,263 per annum.

Benefits

Robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance well‑being throughout the career.

Closing Date: 2 July 2026 – 23:59 Eastern Time