Senior Purchasing Agent

The Senior Purchasing Agent is responsible for facilitating the formal procurement processes to obtain goods and services on behalf of the Niagara Region, which meet the criteria of either complex Tier 1 or Tier 2 projects.

The Senior Purchasing Agent will provide consultation services, including the determination of appropriate methods and sourcing strategies. In addition, the Senior Purchasing Agent provides research and analysis of markets, trends, prices, and costs, as well as the development of term contracts and review of term contracts to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures. The Senior Purchasing Agent will also act as a resource and provide technical advice and guidance to the Procurement team including the Purchasing Agents and Junior Buyer.

• Post-Secondary Degree in Business Administration, Materials Management, Purchasing and Supply Management or other related field
• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) and/or Supply Chain Management Professional designation (CSCMP)
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

• Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressive procurement experience required; preferably within a public sector employer
• Advanced knowledge in any legislative requirements as it applies to Municipal Government including tendering law, Municipal Act, risk management and health and safety, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
• Prior experience overseeing complex procurement projects as defined as budgets in excess of $10 million dollars; multiple phases and/or sub-procurements; which require legal and regulatory compliance; with noted political sensitivity; with aggressive timelines and/or structured schedules and with environmental impacts
• Experience interpreting and executing complex legal agreements
• Advanced knowledge of end-to-end procurement procedures, techniques, and methodologies, including tendering, evaluation, contract development and negotiation, and contract management
• Advanced knowledge of procurement standards and ethics of the Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA), National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), and Supply Chain Canada
• Working knowledge of contract law, trade agreements, tax legislation, Municipal Act, and risk management as it relates to bidding and contract management
• Experience working with an Enterprise Financial Management System
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Must possess excellent communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills

• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to identify trends in data and improvements to work processes
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a demanding environment
• Demonstrated initiative and strong attention to detail & high level of accuracy
• Demonstrated skills of tact, diplomacy, and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and equally effective in a Team environment exchanging information and providing support, guidance, and mentorship to team members and clients

• Must be capable of maintaining professional objectivity in order to perform consistently with the philosophy and objectives of various programs
• Must maintain the ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations, or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reason