Description
Procurement Services within
AVP Strategy Enterprise Communications is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term
Contracts Specialist for approximately 12 months.
Reporting to the Manager, the Contract Specialist collaborates with procurement staff, departments, and units to assess needs, gather requirements, provide contracting guidance, and facilitate the execution of contracts within delegated authority levels and established thresholds, in accordance with university policies, guidelines, and relevant legislation.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Support and uphold Supply Chain Management (SCM) governance by ensuring contracting activities align with University policies, delegated authorities, approval thresholds, and public sector accountability requirements.
- Monitor compliance with institutional policies, guidelines, collective agreements, and relevant legislation; remain current with emerging trends impacting procurement and contracting.
- Identify recurring risk or pressure points in contracting activity and support mitigation through standardized processes, controls, and guidance.
- Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Risk Management, and other stakeholders to ensure consistent application of standard contractual terms, templates, and approval processes.
- Support audit readiness and transparency through disciplined documentation, records management, and adherence to established controls.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for SCM team members on contracting services matters, providing practical advice, guidance, and execution support.
- Liaise between Procurement, Legal Services, and other internal partners to establish priorities, coordinate reviews, support timely approvals, and manage template variations.
- Support or perform the drafting, evaluation, negotiation, and execution of procurement contracts, including goods, services, construction related agreements, professional services, and software and licensing agreements.
- Lead the implementation and ongoing operational support of the electronic contract management system in collaboration with cross-functional partners.
- Maintain an organized and accessible system of digital contract and procurement records.
- Develop, document, and maintain procedures for contracting services and contract administration that support SCM service delivery.
- Evaluate processes, identify improvement opportunities, and recommend practical enhancements to strengthen contracting services, efficiency, and governance.
- Identify and support the use of metrics, tools, and reporting mechanisms to optimize contracting services activities and performance.
- Contribute to strategies and initiatives that support UCalgary's mission, financial stewardship, and institutional strategic plans.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- University or post-secondary education in a relevant field, preferably in Business or Operations Management. SCMP designation or post-graduate education in business, law or related field is considered an asset. An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.
- Progressive contracting expertise in procurement, supply chain management, legal or equivalent experience in a large organization with increasing levels of responsibility and authority is required.
- Experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment is required.
- Experience with competitive procurement, contract law, and supply chain management is required.
- Familiarity with end-to-end Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) practices, including contract creation, approval workflows, execution, administration, amendments, renewals, and closeout is required.
- Familiarity with e-procurement processes and systems is required.
- Strong and proven contracts/business acumen is required.
- Excellent knowledge of strategic sourcing, contract management and supplier management is required.
- Experience interacting with all levels of an organization, from administrative staff to senior leadership is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated knowledge of construction and professional services contracting is ideal.
- Experience with public procurement considered an asset, but not required.
- Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral; strong customer service skills; demonstrated proficiency in analytical and negotiation skills; demonstrated ability to problem solve under deadline pressures and competing priorities; demonstrated ability in handling procurement within an ERP system; proven Microsoft Office application skills, including SharePoint and expert MS Excel skills; case management system experience would be considered an asset; and demonstrated collaboration capabilities within a team environment.
Application Deadline: November 16, 2026
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the
Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our
Management and Staff Careers website.
About The University Of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy
ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. 