Centennial College
(As a unionized employer, Centennial College gives preference to internal candidates as defined in the collective agreement. External candidates will be considered only if there are no qualified internal candidates)
Centennial College recognizes and affirms Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Indigenous ways of knowing as central to the vibrancy and uniqueness of its learning and working academic mission. We strongly encourage applications from members of Indigenous communities and all equity-deserving groups including Women, Racialized, Persons with Disabilities, and LGBTQ+ communities.
We also recognize that Centennial is situated on the Treaty Lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and pay tribute to their legacy as well as that of all First Peoples that have been and remain present here in Toronto. We recognize that First Peoples come from sovereign Nations and that part of understanding our responsibilities of residing on this territory are understanding the true history, circumstances and legacy of the Treaties signed here (such as the Toronto Purchase, Robinson-Huron Treaty and Williams Treaties) and including pre-contact Treaties and Agreements between sovereign Nations and that all peoples in this area are therefore Treaty people with obligations and responsibilities to all our relations.
Position Summary:
Centennial College is looking for a detail-oriented Procurement Specialist to lead and deliver institutional wide senior buying initiatives, including engaging requisitioners on sourcing strategies. Under the general direction of the Manager, the incumbent will conduct negotiations of College acquisitions, research suppliers and products, plan and oversee negotiating contract agreements (e.g. Requests for Quotations (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Tenders (RFTs), etc.); in addition to, identifying opportunities for process efficiencies of the supply chain management process.
This is a key role guiding stakeholders on legal contract issues and ensuring quality deliverables are met with effective use of college funds and comply with BPS (broader public sector) and College standards.
Responsibilities:
Strategic procurement services (in collaboration with Manager)
- Analyze and apply best methods to procure goods or services including all purchasing documents (RFI, RFSQ, RFP, NRFP, RFQ, and CCDC formats)
- Work with the procurement team or independently to review spend analysis and identify best opportunities for savings and/or efficiencies
- Ensures appropriate and ethical expenditure of public funds through the principles of professional procurement and adherence to BPS directives and guidelines
- Audits purchase requisitions and purchase orders to ensure compliance with the College purchasing policies and procedures.
- Collaborate with requestors on applicable specifications, processes and activities
- Identify procurement problems and propose solutions within the scope of the position
- Assist in the development of new purchasing and contract templates for college wide use
- Document rationale for reaching the purchasing decisions where appropriate
Lead resource in the public tendering process
- Advise and guide requestors / selection committee members; acts as a resource for buyers through the procurement process within the department
- Ensure purchasing documents accurate, meets specific timelines and adherence to Broader Public Sector (BPS) guidelines
- Review documents for policy and legal adherence, conduct site visits and guide selection committee members regarding ranking criteria; provide de-briefs to unsuccessful vendors
- Guide requisitioner during the RFP process by drafting contract, negotiations and ensure documented contract terms and conditions meet the satisfaction of both parties
- Identify potential risks and resolve vendor contract issues; refer to external resources as needed
Contract and Supply Chain Function
- Identify and recommend solutions for operating and procurement issues to management
- Ensure compliance with the College Purchasing Policy and procedures and BPS guidelines
- Work with department on contract database creation and monitoring
- Attend end-users training sessions, to act as a resource
- Analyze industry and competitive trends to develop strategic business improvement initiatives
- Develop standard processes to address the institution’s acquisition program requirements
- Update tools (i.e. template documents and tables, design presentation slides, etc.) for daily processes
- Actively participate in project deliverable discussions and reviews with project team members, providing input and recommendations
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications/Experience
- Three (3) year /diploma or degree and must have designation in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, and/or equivalent combination of education and procurement experience
- CSCMP Professional Designation (formerly C.P.P.) with the Supply Chain Management Association of Canada or CPPO professional designation with the NIGP, or advanced level standing in either program required
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive public procurement experience with functional experience in administering Broader Public Sector guidelines for RFP and RFQ purchases
- Strong interpersonal skills with ability to work with a variety of diverse leadership and college stakeholders and external suppliers; able to handle politically or sensitive situations
- Experience with planning and coordinating projects
- Demonstrated self-starter with strong time management skills; proven ability to deliver results
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to simplify complex concepts in simpler language
- Ability to tactfully apply regulatory and compliance guidelines of the College community
- Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills
- Ability to handle politically sensitive and/or delicate situations with respect and diplomacy
- Familiar with highly technical documents and specifications as well as contract terms and conditions
- Strong understanding and applicable knowledge of regulatory and compliance guidelines as it relates to the college
- Strong understanding and commitment to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion
Apply online: www.centennialcollege.ca/careers
Proof of credentials or equivalencies from accredited regional or federal post secondary institutions and/or their foreign equivalents will be required at the time of job offer.
When applying, your cover letter and résumé must include examples that reflect all of the requested skills and qualifications and must be submitted online by March 13, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST. Please quote Job ID J0323-0281. Misrepresentation of applicant information will be grounds for your exclusion from the competition or for dismissal should you subsequently be hired for the position. We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
We are committed to providing persons with disabilities equal opportunities regarding all employment activities, including access to jobs and accommodations during employment as required, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).