Strategic Procurement Specialist

Job Responsibility:

In order to ensure your application is received by NAIT for thorough review and consideration, please apply directly through our Careers site at

NOTE: This position is hiring 1 external and 2 internal candidates.

Our Strategic Procurement Specialist is a Senior level professional position who takes responsibility for executing Strategic Procurement and Supply Chain Management functions. This position is responsible to consult and manage complex competitive bid transactions, manage large complex contracts, and develop/implement best Vendor Management practices, working very close with our internal clients, our successful candidate is expected to provide guidance, advising best procurement practice methods, and strategies to optimize contract value

Key Responsibilities:

Management of Procurement

• Deliver and manage the procurement process in compliance with NAIT policies, FMD's procurement procedures, trade agreements, contract law, and funding agency requirements.
• Leading the development and management of overall procurement strategies.
• Develop and recommend evaluation criteria, pricing structure, schedule and relevant term and conditions adjustments.
• Respond to vendors inquiries and issuing addenda as appropriate during the open procurement period often requiring further engagement with the project team to ensure an appropriate response, ensuring that all potential vendors receive identical information.
• Chair the evaluation committee and ensure procedural process, transparency, and fairness - evaluate financial component of the procurement.
• The evaluation shall include identification and review of any disqualifying errors or omissions in the submissions. This position is responsible for obtaining further advice from leadership and NAIT General Counsel on complex or high-risk disqualifications.
• Lead procurement clarifications and potential negotiations with proponents as required.
• Submit Approval to Award (ATA) based on procurement evaluation and follow-up approval.
• After the ATA is approved, manage the award process, including notification to the successful and unsuccessful proponents, receipt, and verification of pre-signing documents such as bonding, insurance, WCB, COR, etc. and execution of the contract.
• Responsible for contract preparation and negotiations, ensuring that contract terms and conditions are correct, risk mitigation strategies are taken into consideration and contract aligns with NAIT strategy.
• Lead and administer debriefing sessions after each procurement to provide unsuccessful proponents with feedback to improve future submissions and to build positive relationships with vendors to make NAIT a customer of choice.

Contract Administration and Management

• Manage and maintain complex contractual and business relationships with vendors.
• Develop and negotiate contracts with new and existing suppliers/contractors/consultants.
• Address vendor issues to ensure the highest level of service delivery, ensuring corrective actions take place.
• Identify risks within the contract and propose alternative solutions.
• Analyze supplier contractual terms and conditions and recommend innovative approaches to contract requirements, obligations, and risk exposures.
• Manage the vendor/supplier relationships and resolve any unforeseen problems with suppliers relating to operations, purchasing or quality/performance.
• Review and manage contract amendments and change orders.
• Manage contract disputes and claims as well as the evaluation of contractual (i.e., non-technical) issues related to contract disputes. Obtain advice from appropriate Stakeholder Leaders and NAIT General Counsel on complex or high-risk issues.
• Provide subject matter expertise to project delivery units on various contract terms and conditions.

Procurement Planning, Monitoring and Reporting

• Assist with the company's acquisition strategies by completing the due diligence and integration activities for the spending categories.
• Facilitate implementation of procurement change initiatives within the category to improve business performance.
• Engage project delivery teams to determine business requirements and establish sourcing strategies that deliver financial and non-financial benefits.
• Manage, develop, and administer procurement and contractual strategies from procurement issuance up to contract award considering the delivery unit's requirements and outcomes, and appropriate risk mitigation/management.
• Gain stakeholder input on complex projects, framing issues concisely to obtain buy-in to move forward with key decisions/initiatives.
• Communicates timeline and constraints accurately to all involved in the purchasing and supply chain process.
• Ensure compliance with company policy for all contractual processes and actions.
• Maintains the vendor performance data and reports metrics to leadership.
• Engage with project delivery teams to determine business requirements and recommend sourcing strategies that deliver financial and non-financial benefits.

Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrate organizational, administrative, project management and leadership skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and presentation skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong leadership, collaboration and influencing skills.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in stressful or challenging situations.
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with various counterparts using effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Exemplary code of conduct and ethical standards. Position leads by example.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of safety standards and WCB requirements.
• Ability to successfully moderate and facilitate conflict resolution.
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel

Qualifications:

• A post-secondary Business degree and or diploma form a professional supply management organization (e.g. Supply Chain Canada (SCMP), National Institute for Government Purchasing (NGIP), Institute for Supply Management (ISM)
• 5+ years diversified purchasing and or senior supply chain experience.
• Knowledge of contract law and understanding of legal language related to purchase/construction/consultant agreements.
• Equivalencies may be considered

Remuneration : $77,938.12 - $104,496.86 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package. (Classification - Advisor/Specialist lll).

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.

About NAIT

At NAIT, people matter.

We're proud to have been named one of Alberta's Top Employers for 13 consecutive years. Developing an engaging, supportive, and rewarding work culture is something we take seriously. We know that people are our biggest asset - they are what makes NAIT a great place to work.

At NAIT, you are part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff and industry clients and partners. The NAIT culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work Canada. NAIT is committed to advancing equity and cultivating inclusion throughout the hiring process. We especially encourage applications from Aboriginal and Indigenous people, Black and racialized people, gender and sexually diverse (2SLGBTQIA+ and women) people, immigrants, and people with disabilities.

What we offer

We've created a benefits package that focuses on health and wellness, professional and personal growth, recognition, and work-life balance.

NAIT is a flexible workplace and depending on the nature of your role, you may request flexible work arrangements with respect to where and when you work, including being on-campus full-time, working off-site, or a combination of the two.

Employees also have access to excellent vacation time, paid time off between Christmas and New Year's, a strong recognition program, learning opportunities, 2 annual all-staff professional development days and so much more.

Additional requirements

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada who have not had them previously assessed should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services or the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)

Accommodations

NAIT is an inclusive employer and strives to hire a diverse workforce. If you are contacted by us regarding a job opportunity, please don't hesitate to contact us if you require any accommodation during the selection process. Please contact us via email at Voir email sur ca.edajobs.com.

We thank you for your application, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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