MISSION

The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) is the largest school board in western Canada with over 140,000 students and 16,000 employees. Our mission: Each student, in keeping with their individual abilities and gifts, will complete high school with a foundation of learning necessary to thrive in life, work and continued learning. We pride ourselves in the values we hold. Students come first. Learning is our central purpose. Public education serves the common good. The CBE encourages an inclusive and equitable workplace, which supports our diverse student and employee community. We encourage all applicants to join our dynamic, diverse, and collaborative culture and welcome applications from all qualified individuals.
When you apply to the CBE, you can feel good about serving our future leaders and contributing to student success.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The CBE understands the future of work is flexible. In this role, you are eligible to participate in a flexible work program that allows you to work remotely for up to three days a week. A minimum of two days must be in the office. At certain times, you maybe be required to work in the office more then 2 days per week based on operational requirements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A post-secondary degree in Supply Chain Management.
• Two years demonstrated successful buying experience in a recognized purchasing environment.
• An equivalent combination of directly related post-secondary education and directly related experience may be considered
• Experience/knowledge in microcomputer software applications required.

DEMONSTRATED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of Oracle financial systems software would be an asset.
• Demonstrated written and strong verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop positive customer service relationships.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Personal suitability.
• This position requires personal transportation to conduct job responsibilities
• Understanding of Contract legal terms and conditions.
• Current public procurement experience in construction and construction-related services is preferred

PURPOSE

The purpose of this position is to maintain current knowledge of market and industry trends so that professional purchasing assistance and instruction can be provided to all Schools and Service Units at the Calgary Board of Education.ACCOUNTABILITY
This position is accountable for the judicious procurement of assigned commodities, ensuring the end user receives the correct product as requested, at the best value-added price, and in a timely manner, utilizing a sophisticated computerized purchasing, and financial system.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works with Service Units and Schools to assess users’ needs, determines appropriate product and service specifications and prices, researches market for suitable solution and ensures required items are sourced and available. Ensures that goods purchased meet specifications and standards and arrange testing if required.
• Serves as a resource to Service Units and Schools pertaining to new products available, current prices or availability of materials. Acts as front line representative and liaison between Service Units, Schools and outside vendors, interpreting purchasing policy and procedures as they relate to the situation. Mediates conflicts between end users and vendor or carrier as required.
• Works jointly with Finance & Business Specialists within the Collaborative Learning Communities (CLC) to ensure users’ needs and expectations are met. Attends meetings when invited to discuss various aspects of product acquisition, development, and process. Participates, as a representative of Purchasing Services, in reviewing procedures, identifying purchase improvements, recommending value-added procedures, and implementing and evaluating purchasing programs.
• Ensures Service Unit and School personnel and vendors adhere to ethical purchasing practices by providing formal and/or informal information sessions and one-on-one meetings when required. Resolves related problems and/or issues that occur as required.
• Recommends alternate products or other solutions proactively regarding the provision of goods and services to Service Units and Schools as appropriate.
• Participates in and provides advice regarding the development of Request For Proposal (RFP), Request For Information (RFI), quotation, and tender specifications and prepares and issues documents for specific items and/or for volume purchases. Reviews and evaluates completed bid documents from vendors and negotiates contracts with successful bidders. Issues award letters to all vendors who participated in the bid process indicating the successful bidder and the total contracted price. Issues letters to unsuccessful bidders initiating debriefing sessions if required.
• Maintains current knowledge of Federal and Provincial regulations and how they affect purchasing procedures to ensure all competitive bid documents confirm to the Agreement on Internal Trade specifications and that all bids are posted on the electronic tender website. Ensures all correct and applicable Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) legislation clauses appear in tenders, RFP, RFI, quotations and contracts issued on behalf of the Service Units and Schools and that the integrity of the Board is maintained within these clauses.
• Utilizes the Oracle Financial system to generate computerized purchase orders from electronic on-line requisitions for goods, materials or services required by Service Units, Schools, Inventory, or Facility Services.
• Establishes a list of acceptable vendors for tender, quote, or direct purchase. Ensures vendors are able to meet requirements for design, cost, quality, quantity, delivery date, and that they are up-to-date on current market trends.
• Coordinates purchasing projects as assigned including systems contracts, and preferred vendor agreements and capital projects. Records and tracks equipment purchases, equipment service/maintenance schedules, and equipment life expectancy by means of spreadsheet software.
• Initiates action on product defects, shortages, or damages to determine the source of the problem and ensures that defects are rectified.
• Reviews catalogues and attends seminars.
• Maintains records associated with purchasing and ensures accuracy of all related data. Coordinates delivery of goods and services and expedites over-due orders as required. Expedites problems with payments. Provides input for the Approved for Purchase Catalogue/database.
• Represents the Purchasing Services work unit on committees as required.
• Performs other related responsibilities as assigned to meet the purpose and accountabilities of the role.