Senior Category Manager, Strategic Procurement

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Please note: jobs are posted until 11:59 pm on the job closing date.

Land Acknowledgment:

Algonquin College campuses in Ottawa and Pembroke are located on the traditional unceded, and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. The Algonquin People have inhabited and cared for these lands since time immemorial. We take this time to express our gratitude and respect to them and to the land for all that it has provided and will continue to provide.

Job Description:

The Senior Category Manager is responsible and accountable to process, from inception to finalization, large, complicated, and often confidential, Requests for Proposals for the College. The incumbent is responsible for the coordination and negotiation of major contracts for goods and services.   

Duties and Responsibilities:

Contract negotiation and vendor management

• The incumbent contributes to the economic health of the College by recommending and implementing high quality purchasing solutions, selecting and applying the appropriate tendering and ordering processes to obtain best value for college expenditures.  In addition, duties and skills include demonstrating expertise in Strategic Sourcing, RF(x)’s from end-to-end process (including financial analytics and metrics), contract negotiations, strong communications and relationship building skills, ability to manage vendor relationships and understanding of services level agreements.  Ability to negotiate time sensitive, confidential contracts during the signing process and at the time of renewal coordinate and conduct all supplier negotiations to obtain better contract terms and conditions.  Using analytical skills, work closely with other senior College managers, directors,  Vice Presidents  and other internal stakeholders and Service Providers to prepare proposals, negotiate and oversee administration requestor and buyer interfaces.

Project management

• The incumbent contributes to student success by negotiating the resolution of conflicts between vendors and college staff, recommending and implementing college-wide procurement best practices and policies. Monitor vendor’s adherence to contractual terms throughout the relationship and implement corrective action where necessary involving both client and vendor(s).   Demonstrate an aptitude for managing multiple projects simultaneously and ensuring proper follow through and completion.  Ability to demonstrate excellent judgment and escalate issues as needed

Oversight of purchasing activities across departments

• The incumbent is responsible for controlling purchasing activity for a variety of college departments, however, major focus of this position is to work in support of the Facility Management department including Facilities Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering.  Involvement as a Strategic Procurement Leader in special projects (i.e. Major Campus construction) by representing Procurement as a strategic Procurement resource providing input and recommendations to cross College stakeholders and Steering Committee members.  Duties include also include preparing timelines, confidential Procurement Strategy document co-ownership, preparing Procurement timelines and overseeing the RFP from end to end process.  

Process improvement

• The incumbent supports the instructional process by monitoring industry, technological and pricing trends and develop methodologies to obtain savings as well as manage value driven negotiations.  Support the renewal of contracts and evaluating the quality and price of products and services while identifying and documenting risks and opportunities to ensure they meet college standards and academic needs. Incumbent also should consistently recommend  on-going process improvements and LEAN opportunities.  Provide guidance and recommendations to Procurement staff (i.e. support in vendor meetings and day to day processes).

Training and Staff Development

• The incumbent provides training to college staff on purchasing policies, procedures and enterprise systems.  Incumbent also provides guidance, mentorship and recommendations to internal Senior Buyer and Buyers;

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum three (3) year degree/diploma in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance or related fields; "Equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience may be accepted in place of formal education”

• Professional Designation such as SCMP (Supply Chain Management Professional), CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management), CPPB (Certified Professional Public Buyer) or other related fields;

• Minimum seven (7) years experience;

• The incumbent is expected discharge their responsibilities with a high degree of freedom. The clients of the Purchasing Department often have little time or knowledge to define expectations. Given the lack of definition, the incumbent is expected to define processes and deliverables. Examples include committing the College to participate in consortium purchasing activities, contributing to the efficient administration of the College by ensuring that purchasing controls are set up and maintained and approving and reviewing financial commitments made by College Departments to ensure college policy is followed.

• Leadership, motivation and team building skills. Conflict resolution skills. Ability to understand and apply internal control standards in a large organization. Ability to maintain standards for efficiency and effectiveness. Interpersonal communication skills. Comfortable working with a PC and mainframe financial packages along with a working knowledge of spreadsheet software. Strong analytical and co-ordination skills. Strong ethical and moral values, with the ability to work with candor oftentimes restricted information.   

*This position is paid at Payband 10

*Vacancy is for P22731

This position is eligible for hybrid work in conjunction with the College's Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. https://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/hr26/ (subject to change).

Why Join Algonquin College?

• Compensation: Many roles offer a competitive base salary and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and retirement plans designed to support your well-being. Eligibility for benefits vary by position. Benefits | Careers

• Learning and Development Opportunities: Access to training, tuition assistance programs (Algonquin College Courses and Degree Completion), certifications, workshops, and professional courses that allow you to grow and advance in your career. About Us | Employee Learning and Development. Availability depends on role and employment status.

• Company Culture: Our values of caring, learning, integrity, and respect define how we interact with one another. We foster a supportive and collaborative environment. Algonquin College has been recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers for 2025 and one of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity for 2024

• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA): We are proud to be the first Ontario college to implement an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion policy, fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected and valued. Affinity Group Conversation Communities | Inclusion & Diversity & Truth and Reconciliation

• Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. Select positions are eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the College’s Flexible Work Arrangement Policy https://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/hr26/ (subject to change).

How We Use AI in Hiring:  

Algonquin College uses artificial intelligence technology to assist in screening and assessing applicants and their applications, while ensuring that all processes respect and uphold the provisions of applicable collective agreements above all else.

Accessibility:

Algonquin College values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and culturally respectful workplace. We offer an inclusive work environment and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of racialized groups, and individuals from diverse communities. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources department at [email protected]. While we thank all those who apply, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.