Buyer 2

Overview

Reporting to the Manager, Purchasing, the Buyer 2 is a senior member of the Purchasing team and responsible for facilitating the procurement of goods, services and construction on behalf of the City of Richmond. The individual will be expected to provide professional advice and strategic guidance on purchasing issues and the contracting process while considering City of Richmond policies, Canadian Contract Law, Trade Agreement obligations and best practices.

Examples of key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Facilitate the entire competitive bid solicitation process including the preparation of pre-qualifications, Tenders, Request for Proposals, Request for Quotations and other competitive processes in consultation with client departments.
• Take responsibility for the procurement of a wide variety of commodities and services, including high value, high profile construction tenders.
• Coordinate, prepare, execute and collect all necessary contract documentation, including Certificates of Insurance and WorkSafeBC Clearance letters.
• Collaborate with internal clients to identify business requirements, develop procurement and sourcing strategies, conduct supply market research and collaborate with clients on best value evaluation criteria.
• Liaise with Law, Risk Management and other internal subject matter experts as necessary.
• Analyze bid submissions in accordance to established criteria, facilitate the evaluation process and make recommendations to clients to support contract awards based on facts and data
• Facilitate site information meetings and issue addenda as necessary
• Negotiate with successful suppliers and debrief unsuccessful suppliers.
• Finalize awards through preparation and issuance of purchase orders and contract documents. Support and champion Purchasing initiatives within the organization, including the City’s purchasing card program.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Act as mentor to other Purchasing staff.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of competitive bidding laws and applicable trade agreements as they relate to municipal government.
• Ideally possesses working knowledge of industry standard public purchasing contract forms (e.g. CCDC and MMCD contract frameworks).
• Working knowledge and understanding of the public tendering process and other competitive bid processes.
• Sound knowledge of contract law, basic accounting principles, contract writing and negotiation.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of computer applications including: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PeopleSoft Financials (or similar) and document management systems.
• Capable of undertaking supplier/supply market to assist the development of procurement strategies.
• Skilled in reviewing, evaluating and analyzing bids according to established criteria, facilitating evaluation committees and formulating recommendations to clients and senior management.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative and tactful working relationships with peers, internal clients, senior management, internal legal counsel and suppliers.
• Ability to participate as an engaged member of a team and work independently.
• Ability to organize and manage time sensitive projects to deadlines with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to act as a coach and resource to other Purchasing staff and client departments.
• Ability to successfully pass a Police Information Check for the Financial Sector.

Qualifications and Experience:

Completion of a Strategic Supply Chain Leadership Program supplemented by a minimum of 2 years of related experience in an advanced purchasing role is required, in a municipal or other public sector environment. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.  Supply Chain Management Professional designation (SCMP) preferred.

Working Conditions:

This job is generally performed in an office environment. Site visits can be outside in all weather conditions. Personal protective equipment may be required for some site visits. Extended periods of sustained mental concentration and visual effort are required.