Purchasing Officer

SAIT's stands among the world's leading hospitality schools — CEOWORLD Magazine named us #1 in Canada and #14 globally in 2026. Renowned for our innovative curriculum, strong industry partnerships and unparalleled approach to applied learning, serving up excellence is what we do best. 

The Opportunity

Job classification : A5005 - Purchasing Officer

Salary range: $60,000-$72,000. Placement within the range is typically based upon a review of skills, experience, and internal equity. 

Hours per week: 40

Paid leave: 3 weeks vacation per year

Position End Date: December 18, 2026

Deadline to apply: 11:59PM on July 26, 2026

The Purchasing Officer is responsible for the procurement of food, beverages, operational supplies, and related products that support Hospitality & Tourism academic programming, retail outlets, catering, events, and other departmental operations. This role oversees daily purchasing activities, supplier relationships, inventory optimization, sourcing initiatives, cost control, and procurement compliance. The successful candidate will ensure continuity of supply while contributing to operational efficiency and excellence across the department.

This position is primarily office-based and requires regular movement between office, warehouse, receiving, and hospitality operations areas. The role involves accurate data entry and analysis, frequent interaction with suppliers and stakeholders, and occasional lifting and handling of inventory, supplies, or equipment up to 50 lbs. The successful candidate must be able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and excellent customer service.

How you'll contribute

• Manage daily purchasing activities using Adaco, including creating and maintaining purchase orders and ensuring the timely procurement and delivery of food, beverages, operational supplies, equipment, and services required to support academic programming and operational needs.


• Forecast purchasing requirements based on curriculum schedules, menus, seasonal trends, events, consumption patterns, and operational activities. Monitor inventory levels, turnover, stockouts, spoilage, and inventory accuracy, while maintaining established minimum and maximum inventory levels.


• Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships, evaluate vendor performance, monitor supplier compliance, participate in RFQ, RFP, and RFI processes, support contract management activities, and maintain a competitive and reliable vendor portfolio.


• Analyze purchasing, inventory, and cost of goods data to identify cost-saving opportunities through supplier negotiations, volume purchasing, product substitutions, and process improvements. Support budgeting, spend analysis, and operational reporting requirements.


• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, procurement policies, and supplier specifications. Collaborate closely with faculty, culinary teams, warehouse staff, finance, and leadership to support operational objectives and implement continuous improvements within procurement and warehouse operations.

What you bring

Minimum

• Diploma in Supply Chain Management or related field


• 3-5 years purchasing, procurement, inventory management, and other supply chain experiences


• Minimal prior experience working with an ERP/Inventory control software system (Adaco preferred) 


• Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a customer-focused approach.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.


• Effective negotiation, influencing, and relationship-building skills.


• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.


• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.


• Proficient in computer applications, data analysis, and reporting.


• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on process efficiency and operational excellence.

We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. We understand how important communication is, and we are committed to following up with every candidate. Please know that each application is thoughtfully reviewed, and you will hear from us either way.

Together, we build bold futures  

At SAIT, we equip you with the resources you need to shape bold futures for yourself and our communities. We offer a comprehensive package including: 

- Generous time off to pursue other passions and support your wellbeing 

- SAIT paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision benefits so you, and your family, are well supported 

- Benefits supporting mental health and access to Greenshield + for virtual therapy at a reduced rate 

- Access to a Health Spending or Taxable Spending Account

- Professional development opportunities through our Free Seat Program, tuition support, access to LinkedIn Learning and discounted Continuing Education & Professional Studies courses

- Defined Benefit pension through LAPP to help you retire with confidence 

- Excellent dining options on campus 

- Free access to our fitness facilities and group fitness classes 

About SAIT 

At SAIT, we’re building bold futures. We’re a community of tenacious problem-solvers, inventive thinkers, and passionate collaborators who believe in doing work that matters.

Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we’re driven by a desire to create an impact in our community. If you’re looking for a place where purpose meets possibility, you’ve found it here. 

We’re committed to community and belonging  

Community and belonging is essential to achieving SAIT's vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about Community and Belonging at SAIT .     

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.