Procurement Advisor (Cayuga)

Position Summary Provides strategic procurement guidance and support on corporate‑approved projects and council‑approved budgets. Focuses on risk mitigation, best value procurement, and compliance with policies, procedures, legislation, and trade agreements. Core Competencies Critical Thinking Reasoning Cognitive Flexibility Project Management Collaborative Skills Benefits Defined Benefit Pension Health & Dental Benefits 3 Weeks’ Starting Vacation (prorated for first year) Professional Development Safe & Friendly Work Culture Employee Recognition EFAP Program Wellness Programs Responsibilities Corporate: Develop purchasing and procurement card policies and procedures for SMT and Council approval. Administer policies to ensure compliance, following next‑steps for non‑compliance situations. Report annual purchasing activity to meet legislative and procurement policy requirements. People: Provide strategy and guidance on competitive solicitations, vendor disputes, and performance issues under trade agreements. Lead and monitor work assignment to the Purchasing Clerk, ensuring departmental timelines and objectives are met. Respond to bidder inquiries and disputes, escalating or preparing for arbitration when required. Negotiate with vendors to develop solutions and resolve problems. Money/Asset: Assist management with budget preparation and monitor financial status for assigned projects, ensuring adherence to approved budgets. Align purchasing activities with cooperative purchasing opportunities where permissible. Monitor market conditions and provide strategic advice for potential efficiencies, cost savings, and reduction of unanticipated expenses. Coordinate surplus asset disposal through public processes and reconcile funds to meet or exceed Council‑approved revenue. Track and determine replacement schedules as part of the annual capital budget development. Manage office equipment and furniture replacement within Council‑approved budgets. Timeline: Provide guidance on procurement‑related legislated, trade agreement timelines and internal policies, ensuring staff adherence. Functional (Legal & Risk Mitigation): Collaborate and provide strategic advice on procurement for corporate‑approved projects, identifying risks and formulating recommendations. Facilitate committee evaluations, moderate processes, and maintain continuity of facts for mandatory vendor debriefing. Review trade agreement application, case law, and best practices, providing interpretation and guidance on procurement legislation. Support contract negotiations and resolve procurement problems with stakeholders and vendors. Conduct audits and report procurement activities, providing investigations, follow‑up, training, and reporting to leadership. Mitigate risk using bid securities, contract law knowledge, vendor insurance, and WSIB coverage. Develop and deliver training on procurement activities, templates, legislation, and software. Software: Administer and configure purchase order and cheque requisition software, including user setup, workflow routing, account codes, and troubleshooting. Administer procurement card program software, setting up users, workflows, account codes, tax applications, and integration support. Manage software for procurement card program, ensuring policy compliance and handling card issues. Administer software hosting procurement documents, including posting addenda and bid award information. Generate reports from a public auction website used for asset disposal. Corporate Procurement and Programs: Administer corporate clothing uniform program, including contract management and vendor performance to ensure compliance with union agreements. Administer procurement card program, maintaining vendor software and managing card issues. Facilitate corporate furniture program for standardization of replacement requirements. Administer other corporate contracts such as office supplies, fine paper, envelopes, and business cards. General: Prepare templates and review complex documents, proposals, tenders, quotations, addenda, contracts, and terms and conditions. Represent the County in procurement matters, including purchase cooperative meetings and vendor training. Assist with application of legislation and regulations, including collective agreements and corporate policies. Apply project management practices to support successful completion of County projects. Ensure project participants understand work scope within approved policies and procedures. Demonstrate commitment to the Haldimand County Code of Conduct and adapt to responsibilities as required. Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills Education Community College diploma related to procurement with completion of or progress toward one of the following: Ontario Public Buyers Association Principles of Public Purchasing certificate and project management training. Municipal law courses (e.g., Contracts or Torts). Education focused on business, finance, risk management, or procurement. Experience Over 2 years of related experience, including at least 3 years of current experience. Work experience in a public purchasing environment and with trade agreements and procurement legislation (special consideration). Knowledge and Skills Good understanding of municipal government operations, structure, and services. Knowledge of legislation and trade treaty agreements surrounding public procurement. Solid risk management experience relative to purchasing. Negotiation skills with vendors and contractors. Persistence, tact, and persuasiveness for internal and external contacts. Valid Ontario driver’s license and reliable vehicle. Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to influence and motivate. Initiative and decision‑making in broad work areas affecting major functions. Independent work with discretion and sensitivity for confidential information. Responsible purchasing and analytical problem‑solving skills. Leadership ability to provide advice and training within a functional area. Organizational skills, meticulousness, and deadline adherence. Interpersonal skills for team collaboration and morale building. Technology aptitude: intermediate computer skills, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), and proficiency with government procurement software such as GovDeals, Bids+Tenders, and BMO. Working Conditions Regular business hours: 8:30 a.m. –4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. EEO Statement Haldimand County is an equal‑opportunity employer that values diversity, inclusivity, and belonging for all. Accommodation is available at any stage of the hiring process. #J-18808-Ljbffr Haldimand County