There is a Labour Market Adjustment of $9,000 per annum for this position.

Duties:

Conducts complex and specialized competitive processes/projects by leading and managing cross-functional teams. Develops and issues a variety of highly technical competition documents (NRFP, RFT, RFQ, etc.) and facilitates evaluation processes, financial analysis, site visits, presentations, demonstrations, recommendations to business units/decision makers, vendor debriefings, and contract negotiations right through to contract award. Prepares and maintains accurate records and documentation.
Ensures all competitive processes are done in a fair, transparent, and ethical manner, and in compliance with applicable trade agreements, regulations, laws, related procurement practices, policies and procedures. Uses sound judgment and past experience when interpreting complex situations in order to minimize risk and impact on relevant parties.
Interprets contracts, drafts contract schedules (scope of work), negotiates, and awards contracts and amendments with vendors on behalf of internal business units, as well as manage, terminate, and close out contracts when necessary. Liaise with VIU Contract Specialist, internal/external Legal Counsel.
Uses sound judgment and past experience when interpreting complex situations in order to minimize risk and impact on relevant parties.
Proactively builds relationships with all levels of VIU employees and provides procurement consultative services, guidance, education, and training to all levels of VIU employees, vendors, and Provincial Procurement groups through interpretation of policy, procedures, government trade agreements and legislation, past experience, and best practices. Participates in business unit meetings/planning sessions as required.




Proactively coordinates and resolves complex issues by using critical and strategic thinking when interpreting data and information, and understands the correct technique or approach required. Escalates to Manager when required.
Demonstrates innovative thinking by regularly making recommendations for current approaches and develops contingency plans to anticipated issues and potential risks.
Provides direction and advice to Procurement Analysts on a variety of procurement activities and ensures the procurement policy and procedures are adhered to.
Initiates Privacy Impact Assessments and Data Security reviews with VIU business units, internal Legal Counsel, and IT when required.
Assist with Procurement Management with initiating and establishing contract management and vendor performance management strategies and programs, including the development of business plans, policies and procedures, user training and related materials. Meets with vendors and/or business units to resolve contract related performance issues.
Analyzes current procurement activities, data and spend to determine compliance as well as opportunities to establish long-term contracts for high usage, high dollar volume, and regularly purchased products that could be more effectively leveraged.




Tracks cost savings and other procurement metrics and recommends continuous improvement through more efficient procurement methods, standardization, and value analysis.
Keeps abreast with current procurement best practices and trends that may include legislative changes, e-procurement initiatives, competitive bidding law changes, and sustainability and social procurement programs.
Assists with ERP system tasks (e.g. processing Purchase Orders, Purchase Order amendments, etc.), user training, data entry, and other day-to-day activities when required.

Required Qualifications:

A University degree in business or Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation, plus 5 years public procurement experience working in a diverse environment. 3+ years experience facilitating complex bid processes. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

- Knowledge of the principles and practices of public procurement, privacy legislation, current trade agreements, and provincial public sector procurement standards.
- Experience with negotiated RFP processes and sourcing a variety of goods and services, including software and major construction projects. Strong track record of negotiating contracts and knowledge relating to legal requirements, and contract and competitive bidding law.
- Ability to build effective working relationships and influence decision making. Understands impact that recommendations have both on the business unit and the institution.
- Customer service focused approach to procurement and contract management.
- Strong communication skills; ability to listen, write, read and articulate and/or comprehend complex documents (e.g. competition documents, proposals, tenders, contracts, business cases, briefing notes); disseminate procurement polic

📌 Senior Procurement Specialist (Nanaimo)
🏢 Vancouver Island University
📍 Nanaimo