Intermediate Advisor, Procurement

Position Purpose

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Procurement, provides procurement-related information and advice and handles procurement activities for the range of products and services under the incumbent's responsibility. Provides users with direction and information on all stages of the procurement process and all elements of the computerized procurement and evaluation systems in order to ensure the integrity of the procurement process, obtain the best value, achieve savings for the University, minimize risk and ensure project success.

Responsibilities

In an advisory role, coordinates procurement files (calls for tenders, regular and sometimes complex projects and transactional purchases) in compliance with laws, policies, directives and standards on procurement and ethical conduct. Guides faculties, services and suppliers with respect to the University's procurement processes.

Identifies needs with clients, identifies potential suppliers, explains the selected procurement method (RFX) to the client, involves relevant parties, presents the action plan and completes the applicable procurement process.

Coordinates the evaluation committee's process and informs the committee of its responsibilities while ensuring that evaluation criteria are met and that rigorous, proper supporting documentation is maintained, to minimize legal risks or reputational damage for the University.

For purchases linked to funding agencies (such as the CFI), participates in the application and purchasing processes. If needed, informs suppliers and assesses the fair market value and in-kind contributions during projects in accordance with policies and procedures, to minimize financial risk for the University.

Authorizes and recommends authorization of contract and order awards in the section based on approval thresholds.

If needed, conducts market analyses to identify savings, revenue, cost avoidance and contribution opportunities for assigned files. For certain collaborative procurement files, coordinates with other organizations and institutions.

Qualifications

• Postsecondary education in a relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of five years' experience in procurement, with at least one years' experience working on requests for proposals
• Training through the Supply Chain Management Association or an equivalent organization is an asset
• Proven negotiation skills
• Organization and planning skills
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams
• Sense of teamwork and co-operation
• Knowledge of standards and laws governing internal trade in Ontario and their application to public institutions (Agreement on Internal Trade, Broader Public Service, taxes, duties, etc.)
• Good analytical and business skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to multitask
• Knowledge of day-to-day operations and procedures related to control systems and computerized procurement systems (including e-commerce)
• Knowledge of financial systems, Microsoft products and public tendering systems (such as MERX)
• Bilingualism – French and English (spoken and written)

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.

Employment Equity

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.

Union Position

The hiring process will be governed by the current collective agreement related to the union affiliation noted above.

Language Proficiency

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.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 – Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.

Additional Information

Posting Reason: New Position

Job Type: Employee

Anticipated Duration: 24 months

Job Family: Procurement

Faculty/Service - Department: Procurement Services

Campus: Main Campus

Union Affiliation: SSUO

Hours per week: 35

Salary Grade: SSUO Grade 10

Applications must be received before: 2026/10/05