Buyer

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Guelph is seeking a Procurement Operations professional to support purchasing activities in a fast-paced academic environment. Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, this temporary full-time role manages purchase orders, quotes, market research and supplier relations to ensure value and timely service.

Responsibilities include issuing, modifying or canceling purchase orders, reconciling requisitions, maintaining contracts, and advising clients on purchasing policies.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary 2-year diploma in Purchasing, Business Accounting or related field.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Buyer for a non-profit or profit organization; Broader Public Sector entity preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• CPPB designation or equivalent level in other Canadian designation granting entities is preferred.
• Experience with a computerized purchasing system.
• Experience working with payments services.
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Issue, modify or cancel purchase orders as required.
• Assist clients with obtaining quotes and confirming specifications with suppliers.
• Conduct market research in support of client’s needs.
• Review and update requisitions, ensuring all required information and approvals are included.
• Identify purchases that should be made through Preferred Suppliers.
• Ensure contracts are in place and correctly executed where required.
• Enter contracts in the database and monitor contracts for upcoming expiries.
• Update purchase orders.
• Investigate price discrepancy issues and make corrections as needed.
• Identify opportunities for efficiencies or continuous improvement.
• Other duties as assigned by the Purchasing Manager.
• Advise clients on Purchasing policies and procedures and applicable trade treaty and regulatory requirements.
• Follow University policies and procedures as related to procurement.
• Manage and prioritize workload in a very fast paced environment.
• Identify potentials for cost savings or contract opportunities.

Skills

Vendor relations

Procurement

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Education

2-year diploma in Purchasing or related field

CPPB designation or equivalent

Tools

Purchasing software

Job description

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Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Requisition ID: 3117

Department:Procurement Operations
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

Temporary full-time from 11/23/2026to09/17/2027
Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent

General Purpose

Under the supervision of the Manager, Purchasing Operations, the incumbent is responsible for conducting purchasing activities in an ethical, accountable and transparent manner while maintaining good vendor relations and upholding the University’s reputation as fair to all potential suppliers. University policies, departmental guidelines, legislative requirements and established purchasing practices are incorporated into day-to-day work, in addition to meeting departmental objectives for good value and timely service.

Duties and Responsibilities

Include, but not limited to:

Purchase Order Processing

• Issue, modify or cancel purchase orders as required.
• Assist clients with obtaining quotes and confirming specifications with suppliers.
• Conduct market research in support of client’s needs.
• Review and update requisitions, ensuring all required information and approvals are included.
• Identify purchases that should be made through Preferred Suppliers.
• Ensure contracts are in place and correctly executed where required.
• Enter contracts in the database and monitor contracts for upcoming expiries.
• Update purchase orders.
• Investigate price discrepancy issues and make corrections as needed.
• Identify opportunities for efficiencies or continuous improvement.
• Other duties as assigned by the Purchasing Manager.

Guidance and Training

• Advise clients on Purchasing policies and procedures and applicable trade treaty and regulatory requirements.

General Administrative Responsibilities

• Follow University policies and procedures as related to procurement. Manage and prioritize workload in a very fast paced environment.
• Identify potentials for cost savings or contract opportunities.

Requirements

• Post-secondary 2-year diploma in Purchasing, Business Accounting or related field.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Buyer for a non-profit or profit organization; Broader Public Sector entity preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• CPPB designation or equivalent level in other Canadian designation granting entities is preferred.
• Experience with a computerized purchasing system.
• Experience working with payments services.
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number:10925207

*Tentative evaluation; subject to final review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date:11/05/2026
Closing Date:11/12/2026