Purchasing Agent

at  Niagara Region

ABOUT US

Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high-quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.
At Niagara Region, we value diversity - in background and experience. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aspire to hire and grow a workforce reflective of the diverse community we serve. By doing so, we can deliver better programs and services across Niagara.
We welcome all applicants! For more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Niagara Region, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Niagara Region, Ontario or email related questions to diversity@niagararegion.ca. To send input on reducing barriers in the current hiring process, please email myhr@niagararegion.ca
For the Region’s full employee equity statement, Working at Niagara Region - Niagara Region, Ontario.

DON’T HAVE EVERY QUALIFICATION?

You may be hesitant to apply if you do not have every qualification listed in the posting. While specific qualifications are important for certain roles, we invite individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience and education to apply. Our recruiters will evaluate your suitability for the role.
Please note that for unionized roles, we must follow collective agreement requirements. However, we encourage all interested candidates to submit their applications. We believe success in a role can extend beyond meeting every single requirement.

JOB SUMMARY

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for facilitating the formal procurement processes to obtain goods and services on behalf of the Niagara Region, which meet the criteria of either a Tier 2 or Tier 3 procurement project.
The Purchasing Agent takes the required steps to supply internal customers with an uninterrupted flow of goods and services, placing an emphasis on quality and best value to satisfy the requirements for consistency, fairness, equity, and transparency while maintaining a focus on maximizing competition.

EDUCATION

• Post-Secondary Diploma in Business Administration, Materials Management, Purchasing and Supply Management or other related field.
• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) and/or Supply Chain Management Professional designation (CSCMP) is considered an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

• Minimum five years of procurement experience required; preferably within a public sector employer
• Must possess knowledge in any legislative requirements as it applies to Municipal Government including tendering law, Municipal Act, risk management and health and safety, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
• Prior experience overseeing a variety of procurement projects, with increased budgets up to $8 million dollars; multiple phases and/or sub-procurements; which require legal and regulatory compliance; with noted political sensitivity; with aggressive timelines and/or structured schedules and with environmental impacts an asset
• Experience interpreting and executing legal agreements is an asset
• Working knowledge of end-to-end procurement procedures, techniques, and methodologies, including tendering, evaluation, contract development and negotiation, and contract management
• Knowledge of procurement standards and ethics of the Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA), National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), and Supply Chain Canada
• Knowledge of contract law, trade agreements, tax legislation, Municipal Act, and risk management as it relates to bidding and contract management
• Experience working with an Enterprise Financial Management System is an asset
• Demonstrated intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

SKILLS

• Demonstrated communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated analytical skills with the ability to identify trends in data and improvements to work processes
• Strong organizational and problem solving skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a demanding environment
• Demonstrated initiative and a strong attention to detail & high level of accuracy
• Demonstrated skills of tact, diplomacy, and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and equally effective in a Team environment exchanging information and providing support, guidance, and mentorship to team members and clients.

Please refer the Job description for details