As a key strategic leader, the Manager, Purchasing, is responsible to the Director of Financial Services for the development and implementation of the corporate purchasing vision and strategy. This position will provide oversight and direction to ensure purchasing decisions are made using consistent, competitive processes that are open, transparent and fair.
The Manager supports strategic planning, budget development, work planning, staff development and change management initiatives and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to build working relationships that are mutually beneficial.
Responsibilities, include:
Oversee the purchasing division of Financial Services;
Plan, organize, and manage purchasing functions for the City; negotiate contracts and purchasing agreements; ensure timely and accurate reporting; prepare and administer budgets;
Provide direction and training to city departments and ensure compliance with the purchasing by-law, policy and related processes;
Provide strategic leadership, manage and motivate employees to ensure the highest standards of individual and organizational performance;
Engage team members in developing and committing to action plans that target specific competencies, skills, or knowledge related to performance improvement or to prepare for success in new responsibilities;
Develop and implement plans to find corporate savings by utilizing best practices in purchasing and by taking advantage of corporate-wide procurement synergies;
Manage the annual budget for the Purchasing division. Identify issues and reallocate resources as required in order to ensure the achievement of annual plans and objectives;
Administer and direct compliance with the Purchasing Bylaw 2000-134;
Administer corporate wide and standing purchase order procurement processes;
Develop and measure key performance indicators to determine and improve the effectiveness of the purchasing function and the performance of corporate purchasing processes;
Review and assess total supply chain risk and identify opportunities to minimize and eliminate risk;
Ensure the customer perspective is a driving force behind decisions and activities;
Implement service practices that meet the customers and the corporations needs;
Serve as a primary resource for customers, vendors and staff to interpret policies, procedures, and legislation;
Develop and implement purchasing training programs for departments and other stakeholders;
Collaborate and network with colleagues from other municipalities and the broader public sector to facilitate accomplishment of goals;
Optimize the use of the corporate financial management system and other electronic solutions to support continuous improvement in the delivery of purchasing services;
Identify and help to facilitate change which will improve effectiveness and efficiencies of the organization, taking into account impacts on other departments or stakeholders.
Qualifications, Competencies
Degree in Finance, Business or a related field;
Certified professional purchasing designation or equivalent;
5 years of progressively responsible experience in a purchasing role with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role;
Experience with construction procurement and related contracts preferred;
Municipal government experience in a unionized environment an asset;
Must demonstrate corporate competencies of Customer Focus, Results Orientation, Integrity and Teamwork.
Skills, Abilities, Work Demands
Demonstrated knowledge of public sector purchasing concepts;
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in implementing purchasing practices in areas such as construction procurement, purchasing process design and automation, best value for money and risk minimization;
Strong commitment and demonstrable experience in leadership, management, transparency and a code of ethical conduct;
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence others;
Strong time management skills; manage time effectively to meet deadlines; ability to prioritize tasks;
Experience in negotiation and conflict resolution;
Advanced problem solving skills and experience;
Attention to detail;
Flexibility and an awareness and sensitivity to departments operational requirements;
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to coach, motivate and develop employees;
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
Ability to research and analyze complex issues;
Strong project management skills and experience combined with ability to prioritize and manage a busy workload;
Ability to work in a politically sensitive environment while demonstrating tact and diplomacy;
Strong computer skills including MS Office and general knowledge of financial management systems and procurement modules;
Ability to work outside regular business hours;
Experience and understanding of municipal policies, procedures, by-laws and applicable legislation and regulations;
Must obtain and maintain a satisfactory CPIC (Criminal Record Check), at own expense.
Closing Statement
Please apply to Career Opportunities at: www.cityofkingston.ca/Careers
Your resume must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the position. Please upload to your profile, any educational Degrees, Diplomas and/or Certificates that are relevant and required for the position you are applying to. We thank all of those who apply; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. The City of Kingston is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment and selection process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
