Basic Function:
To undertake a wide variety of procurement activities with particular emphasis and focus including, but not limited to complex water and infrastructure projects and to provide expert advice, guidance and leadership on public procurement processes and corporate purchasing policies and procedures.
To ensure compliance with public procurement requirements and to be accountable in maintaining an open and honest process that is fair, impartial and transparent.
Position Description:
- To provide advice and guidance to all departments and divisions on purchasing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with public procurement requirements
- To develop, review, issue and evaluate bid document specifications and requests including informal and formal quotations, tenders, request for proposals, expression of interests and addendums for various departments, divisions, boards and committees and the cooperative purchasing group
- To provide guidance in coordinating and conducting pre-bid, information and/or site meetings and the preparation of appropriate documentation including attendance sheets, meeting notes, etc.
- To perform purchasing duties including research, sourcing, gathering statistical data and analyzing financial impacts, verifying bid submissions and their compliance, facilitating evaluations and award recommendations, and preparing and issuing legal agreements and contract documents and to ensure all applicable documentation is received from the vendor prior to the issuance of a purchase order
- To issue purchase orders within authorized dollar limits or after receiving approvals
- To assist with the development, coordination and implementation of Corporate Contracts and Blanket Orders, Pre-Qualifications and Contractor Rosters for the corporation
- To engage in current and future procurement planning for the corporation by routinely meeting and communicating in order to meet service delivery requirements
- To establish standardization opportunities and alternative goods and services for the corporation with the intent to optimize value, create efficiencies and cost savings for the corporation
- To coordinate contract administration together with the department requisitioner throughout the duration of the project which includes drafting and issuance of notice of award letters, reviewing and approving contract documentation from successful bidders (surety bonds, letters of credit, insurance, WSIB, AODA compliance), issuing purchase orders electronically, monitoring vendor performance, revising contracts, issuing change orders with an additional purchase order, and renewing contract documentation such as bonds, insurance and WSIB certificates
- To provide guidance in contract administration with expediting, invoice and p-card discrepancies, follow-up on inquiries and resolving issues regarding purchasing, and to ensure quality and contract compliance
- To manage all active contracts and ensure documents are submitted and maintained electronically in the County’s bidding system;
- To track and update internal user departments regarding contract expirations and renewals;
- To provide guidance and confirm completion of vendor performance in order to track County satisfaction with the quality of products, services and goods provided and report accordingly to vendors and establish any corrective action
- To schedule, attend and conduct vendor interviews and vendor debriefing sessions as required and to mitigate potential bid disputes
- To prepare and maintain accurate records and documentation on all bid solicitations, responses, purchases, contracts, validate certificates, performance reports, correspondence and related follow-up in accordance with Norfolk County Records Retention By-Law
- To review and conduct audits on purchasing activities to ensure compliance with purchasing policies and procedures and public procurement requirements
- To generate, review and follow-up with open purchase order reports and supplier analysis reports outlined in Paramount Workplace
- To assist with the development and facilitation of training and programs for the corporate purchasing function to Council, staff, vendors and the public as required
- To prepare and present written or verbal reports, policies and procedures and/or recommendations to General Managers, Managers, staff, Council, external agencies and the public as required
- To establish work priorities and schedules to ensure timelines are met
- To participate on a wide-variety of committees and/or workgroups such as a Corporate Purchasing Team, Grand River Cooperative Procurement Group, etc.
- To perform other related duties to assist in all functional areas of Corporate Services as required
Requirements
Knowledge and Experience:
- Post-secondary degree/diploma in program such as public administration, purchasing / supply chain management or business.
- Completion of the Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA) Public Purchasing Certificate Program or provincial procurement certificate program or completion of supply chain management program.
- Completion of a professional Purchasing Designation (Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) or working towards the designation.
- Plus over four years of current related purchasing experience
Skills and Abilities:
- Solid knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of public procurement and contract administration
- Understanding of construction contract law/administration and various Canadian Construction Association (CCA) construction contracts
- Sound research, analytical, problem-solving and negotiating skills
- Ability to exercise discretion, judgement and work independently, with a high degree of integrity due to considerable exposure to confidential information
- Proven multi-tasking skills with an ability to handle multiple projects and rapidly changing priorities while maintaining effective working relationships with County staff at all levels
- Strong communication skills and training experience
- Valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
- Computer expertise in corporate standard software (Microsoft Office) and department specific software for data search and entry and to create and modify word processed documents
- Must be aware of safe work practices as they relate to job responsibilities and work environment, and have the basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
Benefits
Job Posting: CUPE 65.25
Title: Strategic Procurement Officer
Job code: 5SSSTP
Status: Permanent Full Time
Employee Group: CUPE Local 4700
Salary: $44.98 per hour, less $1 for the first six months
Division: Corporate Services
Department: Purchasing
Reports To: Manager, Purchasing Services
Location: Simcoe, ON with remote work
Posting Period: September 12, 2025 – September 25, 2025
Application information:
· Ensure the file extension for your resume document is .doc, .docx or .pdf
· If you are electing to include a cover letter, the cover letter and resume must be uploaded as 1 file.
· Find out more information about Norfolk County here: Employment at Norfolk County - NorfolkCounty.ca
The Corporation of Norfolk County is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.
Successful applicants are required to provide the Employer with a current Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector where required and verification of education.
Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those to be interviewed will be contacted.