Advisor, Corporate Procurement

The role 

Reporting to the Director, Procurement, the Advisor, Procurement is responsible for carrying out all aspects of procurement services, including the acquisition of specialized goods and services according to all ALTO’s policies, while providing guidance, advice and support to ensure that the process is effective, expeditious and ethical, and provides the best possible value for ALTO.

The responsibilities

• Provides consultation services to ALTO clients; assists clients in completing relevant procurement documentation (e.g. procurement project planning and approval specifications, bid solicitation documents, and bid evaluation criteria).
• Accurately maintains ALTO records and files.
• Ensures that all required approvals are obtained.
• Plans, organizes and leads the bid solicitation process, including chairing bid evaluation teams and facilitating bidder conferences and debriefings.
• Prepares and facilitates contractual negotiation sessions between ALTO clients (who are most often at senior levels) and senior supplier representatives.
• Analyzes and prepares supplier contractual agreements, ensuring that all appropriate terms and conditions have been included to protect the interests of the ALTO; and monitors and reviews the progress of contractual agreements, and resolves problems.
• Manages critical and urgent procurement situations.
• Participates in projects that affect procurement activities (e.g. development of standards, templates, policy and procedure etc.).

The requirements

• Degree in Administration, Finance or Commerce, or a Certificate in Purchasing from the Supply Chain Management Association of Canada, or a Certificate in Procurement, Materiel Management and Real Property from the Government of Canada.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role.
• Experience in applying the competitive procurement process, as well as preparing statements of requirements and specifications, drafting bid solicitation documents, managing the bidding process, analyzing bids and proposals, negotiating and preparing agreements and resolving disputes.
• Experience in, advising clients in the procurement process, policy and procedure interpretation, and problem solving.
• Experience in using Microsoft Office products, electronic bid systems, authorized purchasing modules, and other software.
• Broad knowledge of procurement and contracting theories, principles, methods, techniques and practices.
• Knowledge of contracting, procurement and purchasing policies, procedures, business practices and guidelines (e.g. Treasury Board guidelines, ALTO contracting policy, trade agreements, contract administration theory and practices).
• Strong writing, speaking and comprehension skills, as well as analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong client service orientation and the ability to deal with clients and suppliers with tact and diplomacy.