Job Summary Reporting to the Manager, Strategic Procurement, the Category Lead, Procurement will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of procurement at Dalhousie University.

As the University’s first Category Lead, you will help establish strategic category management practices, support procurement modernization efforts, and influence purchasing decisions across a diverse and complex institutional environment.

Over the past several years, Dalhousie has embarked on a significant procurement transformation journey, implementing a new procurement platform and advancing a more centralized procurement model.

This newly created role is a critical next step in that evolution, helping move procurement beyond transactional purchasing toward a strategic, value-driven function.

Working closely with stakeholders across faculties, research groups, and administrative departments, you will develop category strategies, analyze organizational spend, identify opportunities for optimization, and lead sourcing initiatives that deliver measurable value.

While initially supporting technology-related procurement categories, including software, hardware, and IT services, this position offers a rare prospect to build category management capability from the ground up while leaving a lasting impact on one of Canada’s leading universities.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Sourcing & Category Management Develop and implement category strategies aligned with institutional priorities and stakeholder needs.

Conduct spend analysis, supplier reviews, and market assessments to identify opportunities for value creation, risk mitigation, standardization, and cost optimization.

Develop annual category procurement plans informed by demand forecasting, market analysis, and stakeholder priorities, and support long-term sourcing initiatives.

Build business cases and recommendations that support informed procurement decisions.

Procurement Leadership Lead complex and high-value sourcing and competitive procurement initiatives from planning through contract award.

Develop sourcing strategies, facilitate supplier engagement, oversee evaluations,



and negotiate commercial agreements.

Ensure compliance with University policies, public sector procurement standards, and applicable trade agreements.

Promote procurement best practices related to fairness, transparency, sustainability, and supplier diversity.

Stakeholder Engagement & Change Leadership Build trusted relationships with academic, research, and administrative stakeholders across the University.

Act as a strategic advisor, helping departments navigate procurement decisions and planning activities.

Influence purchasing practices and support the University’s transition toward a more centralized procurement model.

Drive change management efforts by promoting procurement best practices and encouraging early engagement.

Supplier Relationship Management & Continuous Improvement Lead supplier relationship and contract performance management activities.

Identify opportunities for innovation, service improvements, supplier rationalization, and ongoing value creation.

Provide mentorship and guidance to Buyers and procurement colleagues.

Champion continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen procurement processes, tools, systems, and category management practices.

Note The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and work from home) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Required Qualifications Undergraduate degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Public Administration, or a related discipline, preferably in a public-sector or higher-education environment (or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience).

Professional procurement designation (SCMP, CIPS, CPPB, CPPO, PSPP,



or equivalent), or active progress toward completion. 7+ years of progressive procurement experience with increasing levels of strategic responsibility.

Demonstrated experience developing sourcing strategies, conducting spend analysis, and leading category planning initiatives.

Proven success leading complex procurement projects, formal RFx processes, supplier negotiations, and contract management activities.

Strong analytical and business acumen with the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations.

Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and influence skills.

Experience working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Assets Experience working within government, higher education, healthcare, broader public sector, or other large institutional environments.

Knowledge of public procurement legislation and trade agreements.

Experience supporting procurement transformation, modernization, or change initiatives.

Exposure to technology-related procurement categories.

Job Competencies Additional Information This is a rare opportunity to help build something new.

As Dalhousie continues its procurement transformation journey, the Category Lead, Procurement will play a foundational role in establishing category management practices and shaping the future of strategic procurement across the University.

You will have the opportunity to influence major procurement decisions, work with stakeholders across a highly diverse institution, and contribute to initiatives that support teaching, research, and innovation.

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration Meridia Recruitment is pleased to partner with Dalhousie University in recruiting for this position.

To express interest in this opportunity please apply online by clicking “Apply Now” at

📌 Category Lead, Procurement (Halifax Regional Municipality)
🏢 Dalhousie University
📍 Halifax Regional Municipality