Advisor, Procurement

Position Purpose

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Procurement, advises on procurement and supports process. Makes purchases related to procurement projects, including occasionally creating budgets for applications to granting agencies. Ensures process integrity while seeking the best value and minimizing risk for the University. Informs and advises users during all stages of the procurement process and on all phases of the automated purchasing system (ERP).

Responsibilities

• Identifies needs with clients and guides them to ensure all key elements are covered (specifications, options, maintenance, extended warranties, certification, etc.). Explains the selected procurement method to the client, involves stakeholders, presents the action plan and completes the applicable procurement process. As necessary, performs market studies to select potential suppliers and obtain the required estimates.
• For purchases linked to funding agencies (such as the CFI), participates in the application and purchasing processes. If needed, informs suppliers and assesses fair market value and in-kind contributions during projects in accordance with policies and procedures, to minimize financial risks for the University.
• Authorizes and recommends authorization of contract and order awards based on approval thresholds. Processes purchase requisitions, prepares purchase orders, obtains the necessary approvals based on approval thresholds and ensures appropriate follow up with suppliers and clients.

What You Will Bring

• Knowledge of procurement normally acquired through postsecondary studies or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Two years' demonstrated procurement experience
• Proven negotiation skills
• Organizational and planning skills
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams
• Teamwork and collaborative approach
• Knowledge of standards and laws governing internal trade in Ontario and their application to public institutions (Agreement on Internal Trade, BPS Procurement Directive, taxes, duties, etc.)
• Good analytical and business skills
• Ability to work under pressure and to multitask
• Knowledge of routine procurement and control system operations and procedures (including e-commerce)
• Knowledge of financial systems and Microsoft 365
• Proficiency in English and French

Key Competencies at uOttawa

• Planning: Organize in time a series of actions or events in order to realize an objective or a project. Plan and organize own work and priorities in regular daily activities.
• Initiative: Demonstrate creativity and initiative to suggest improvements and encourage positive results. Is proactive and self-starting. Show availability and willingness to go above and beyond whenever it is possible.
• Client Service Orientation: Help or serve others to meet their needs. This implies anticipating and identifying the needs of internal and external clients and finding solutions on how to meet them.
• Teamwork and Cooperation: Cooperate and work well with other members of the team to reach common goal(s). Accept and give constructive feedback. Able to adjust own behaviour to reach the goals of the team.

Equity and Accessibility

The University of Ottawa embraces diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are passionate about our people and committed to employment equity. We foster a culture of respect, teamwork and inclusion, where collaboration, innovation, and creativity fuel our quest for research and teaching excellence. While all qualified persons are invited to apply, we welcome applications from qualified Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women and LGBTQIA2S+ persons. The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible, barrier-free work environment. The University is also committed to working with applicants with disabilities requesting accommodation during the recruitment, assessment and selection processes. Applicants with disabilities may contact hrtalentmanagement@uottawa.ca to communicate the accommodation need. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Additional Information

Reporting to: Senior Manager, Procurement

Faculty/Service - Department: Procurement Services

Campus: Main Campus

Hours per week: 35

Union Affiliation: SSUO

Salary Grade: SSUO Grade 09

If this is a front-line position with responsibilities to interact with students, selected candidates must be rated at the Low Advanced proficiency level or higher for both oral comprehension and reading comprehension in their second official language. The rating is determined by a proficiency test designed by the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute.