Lead Officer, Purchasing

University of Ottawa•Ottawa, ON

4d•CA$72,437 - CA$91,502•Onsite

About The Position

The Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) comprises nine departments, schools and institutes, offering undergraduate, masters, and doctoral programs in both English and French. With 10,000 students, 260 full-time professors, and numerous programs and research centers, the FSS is a key part of the University of Ottawa. The faculty is supported by approximately 100 administrative employees and fosters a collaborative environment that encourages new ideas, creativity, and excellence. The Lead Officer, Purchasing, under the supervision of the Manager, Supply Chain, supports all purchasing requests for goods and services for business units, ensuring compliance with policies to support academic and research activities. This role acts as a resource for faculty and service members regarding procurement processes and is responsible for the timely purchasing of goods and services up to $100K, overseeing cost-effectiveness, quality, eligibility of expenses, and policy compliance. The position also facilitates contract and supplier relations management in collaboration with Finance and Procurement Services.

Requirements

Supply Chain Management Diploma, Certification, or a minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in a similar role.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in customer service.
Knowledge of procurement principles and practices.
Knowledge of University procurement policies and procedures, and of procurement legislation.
Knowledge of tax and customs legislation and regulations.
Ability to work under pressure and adapt to shifting priorities.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
Experience using computer systems and software.
Bilingualism – English and French (oral and written).

Nice To Haves

Experience purchasing supplies and scientific equipment.
Knowledge of rules and practices in the safe transportation and handling of dangerous goods.
Knowledge of federal and provincial legislation on occupational health and safety, environmental protection, and the transportation of dangerous goods.
Experience interpreting, explaining, and applying policies and regulations.

Responsibilities

Administer and manage all steps to approve requisitions and purchase orders up to $100K for their unit, validating the sourcing process, financial information, shipping, and payment terms, and determining the best use of public funds.
Make final recommendations on vendors, pricing, conditions, warranties, and deliveries in compliance with Policy 36 approval authority schedule and granting agencies rules and regulations.
Control, analyze, and approve derogations up to $100K for their unit to proactively ensure a fair, responsible, and transparent procurement process.
Monitor, review, and approve requests for transgressions up to $100K.
Collaborate with Procurement and Finance to develop proactive processes to prevent deviations from the procurement process.
Engage with clients to plan and understand business requirements.
Develop, recommend, and implement strategic procurement plans in collaboration with Supply Chain and Procurement sectors, offering consistent and optimal service levels.
Participate in the acquisition process for large projects involving planning, coordination, and capital investments in collaboration with Procurement Services, Facilities, and Financial Resources.
Manage the logistics for the delivery of large equipment with suppliers and other relevant parties such as directors, professors, researchers, receiving, and facilities sectors.
Verify, reconcile, and approve supplier invoices in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Follow up on purchasing irregularities, such as missing items or deliverables, damaged merchandise, and incorrectly applied taxes.