Associate Director, Procurement Services

Toronto Metropolitan University; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 121,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is seeking an Associate Director, Procurement Services to provide leadership, strategic direction, and expert professional advice to support supply chain management operations. The role oversees end-to-end tendering processes, supplier relations, and open, fair procurement practices in alignment with TMU policies.

The position reports to the Sr. Director, Strategic Procurement and Payment Services, is based in a hybrid work setting, and requires strong

Qualifications

• Completion of a post‑secondary degree in accounting or a business‑related program or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior administrative position, preferably with a post‑secondary institution or with a public sector organization.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing purchasing and payment functions using a major business system application.
• Knowledge and application of purchasing and accounts payable principles, practices and processes.
• Knowledge and application of e‑procurement software applications, including electronic posting and evaluation tools.
• Knowledge of Oracle eBusiness Systems.
• Strong customer service focused and ability to work with varying degrees of complexities and priorities.
• Strong relationship management skills in order to communicate with all management levels including clients and suppliers.
• Strong (oral, interpersonal, written) communication skills including ability to read, write and comprehend complex documents (e.g. policies, contracts, proposals, tenders).
• Strong negotiating skills, organizational and planning skills.
• Strong computer proficiency and knowledge of computers and various software application packages (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, Microsoft Project, e‑mail, PowerPoint, Google Apps, etc.).
• Ability to multi‑task and meet tight deadlines;
• The ability to lead and navigate change effectively while cultivating a transformative and supportive environment for staff;
• Strong strategic‑thinking skills with an ability to identify, recommend and collaborate with team members on process improvements and best practices;
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, multitask and prioritize as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of strategic sourcing strategies to support the University’s financial and strategic business objectives, drive and increase supply chain propositions and to support long term operational goals
• Provide direct supervision of purchasing staff to ensure work tasks are completed on schedule and standards and policies are followed
• Reviews administrative policies, procedures and best practices and implements changes to ensure operational efficiencies.
• Research commodity markets and potential sources and suppliers, including new products, services and technologies.
• Review, develop, lead negotiations and finalize purchasing contracts by working collaboratively with clients to review and analyze competitive bid documentation, quotations, tenders and purchase awards with a view to establish consensus among evaluators specific to award recommendations.
• Establish effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders that result in a clear understanding of clients’ procurement requirements and objectives, including, building and maintaining key supplier relationships to support business processes.
• Manage and supervise staff, assign and prioritize tasks, establish goals, set expectations and evaluate performance, including, hiring, training, monitoring and performance management.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Procurement leadership

Team supervision

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Policy compliance

Project management

Communication

Education

Post-secondary degree in accounting or business-related program

Tools

Oracle eBusiness Systems

e-procurement tools

Job description

About Toronto Metropolitan

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world.

About Toronto Metropolitan

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world.

For a more in-depth understanding of our vision, core values and ongoing work, please see our academic plan.

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.

Financial Services

The Financial Services division is responsible for accounting and reporting on the financial transactions of the University including specifically accounting and treasury, procurement and payables, collection services, financial systems and training and providing excellent client service, advising and assisting departments on research, budgetary and financial matters, policies and processes. We support the University by managing its financial affairs in an efficient, innovative and professional manner. We are dedicated to providing leadership, information, training, support and advice.

The Opportunity

The Associate Director, Procurement Services will provide leadership, strategic direction, and expert professional advice to support supply chain management operations for the Toronto Metropolitan University community.

• Develop strategic sourcing and procurement strategies and oversee the delivery of procurement services.
• Oversee a team of highly skilled procurement professionals who are responsible for managing end-to-end tendering processes and relations between the University and its suppliers with the objective of meeting or exceeding identified cost, quality and service requirements.
• Ensure procurement practices and processes are conducted in an open, fair, and transparent manner, and in accordance with TMU policies, practices and procedures.
• Develop, negotiate and manage the contracting of preferred vendor goods and service agreements and complex, high value Procurement Requests for goods, services, and works.

Summary Of Responsibilities

• Lead the development of strategic sourcing strategies to support the University’s financial and strategic business objectives, drive and increase supply chain propositions and to support long term operational goals
• Provide direct supervision of purchasing staff to ensure work tasks are completed on schedule and standards and policies are followed
• Reviews administrative policies, procedures and best practices and implements changes to ensure operational efficiencies.
• Research commodity markets and potential sources and suppliers, including new products, services and technologies.
• Review, develop, lead negotiations and finalize purchasing contracts by working collaboratively with clients to review and analyze competitive bid documentation, quotations, tenders and purchase awards with a view to establish consensus among evaluators specific to award recommendations.
• Establish effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders that result in a clear understanding of clients’ procurement requirements and objectives, including, building and maintaining key supplier relationships to support business processes.
• Manage and supervise staff, assign and prioritize tasks, establish goals, set expectations and evaluate performance, including, hiring, training, monitoring and performance management.

Leadership Competencies

Leaders at TMU are required to demonstrate the following Leadership Competencies:

• Acts with Integrity: Demonstrates behaviors aligned with high ethical standards and personal integrity and acts in accordance with TMU values.
• Builds Relationships of Trust & Collaboration: Actively builds a culture of trust and fosters meaningful relationships.
• Leads Inclusively: Creates an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, recognized, empowered to achieve their potential, and valued for their differences.
• Demonstrates Organizational Acumen: Understands and respectfully navigates complex internal and external environments using sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact.
• Drives Vision & Results: Creates and implements a vision grounded in sound decision‑making to achieve desired outcomes.

Qualifications

To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications:

• Completion of a post‑secondary degree in accounting or a business‑related program or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior administrative position, preferably with a post‑secondary institution or with a public sector organization:
• Experience interpreting and applying governmental guidelines and project management and supervising unionized staff
• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing purchasing and payment functions using a major business system application.
• Knowledge and application of purchasing and accounts payable principles, practices and processes.
• Knowledge and application of e‑procurement software applications, including electronic posting and evaluation tools.
• Knowledge of Oracle eBusiness Systems.
• Strong customer service focused and ability to work with varying degrees of complexities and priorities.
• Strong relationship management skills in order to communicate with all management levels including clients and suppliers.
• Strong (oral, interpersonal, written) communication skills including ability to read, write and comprehend complex documents (e.g. policies, contracts, proposals, tenders).
• Strong negotiating skills, organizational and planning skills.
• Strong computer proficiency and knowledge of computers and various software application packages (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, Microsoft Project, e‑mail, PowerPoint, Google Apps, etc.).
• Ability to multi‑task and meet tight deadlines;
• The ability to lead and navigate change effectively while cultivating a transformative and supportive environment for staff;
• Strong strategic‑thinking skills with an ability to identify, recommend and collaborate with team members on process improvements and best practices;
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, multitask and prioritize as necessary.

Additional Information (MAC)

Position Number 10001599 Reports To Sr. Director, Strategic Procurement and Payment Services Department Financial Services Employee Group MAC Vacancy Type Term or FTCE

This is a current vacancy

Work Location Hybrid (2-3 days in‑person/on‑campus and remote work) Hours of Work 36.25 Grade D61 Salary Scale Min: $97,655; Job Rate: $126,825; Max: $155,994 Hiring Salary Range $120,500 up to Job Rate: $126,825 TA Specialist Laurie Shemavonian, [e-mail] Posting Date October 2, 2026 Application Close Date October 16, 2026

• Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.
• As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.
• Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.
• Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please reach out to: [e-mail]. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.