Construction Purchasing Specialist

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT); Calgary; On-site; CAD 73,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous vacation (3 weeks)

Healthcare benefits

Tuition/Professional development

Pension through LAPP

Job summary

SAIT’s Finance department seeks a Senior Purchasing Officer to oversee construction procurement for Facilities Management. You will ensure best-value sourcing, manage bids, and coordinate with operations and project managers across SAIT campus projects.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in purchasing, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of CCDC contract execution and internal controls. A related degree is required with SCMP/CSCP/CPIM/CPM assets considered a plus.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive purchasing or supply chain experience.
• Knowledge of construction contracting (CCDC) and project lifecycles.
• Experience with competitive bidding and contract execution.
• Strong internal controls and financial process understanding.

Responsibilities

• Procure supplies, services and equipment for SAIT construction projects.
• Coordinate daily procurement activities within construction/operations.
• Manage bid processes and develop bid documents (RFI/RFQ/RFP).
• Monitor spend history and identify procurement opportunities.
• Ensure contract compliance and supplier performance.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Competitive bidding

Communication

Relationship building

Education

College Diploma or University Degree in a relevant field

SCMP designation (preferred)

CSCP/CPIM/CPM assets

Tools

Banner ERP

Supply Management Contract Repository System

APC Tendering System

Job description

SAIT’s Finance department loves an equation — so we’re looking to add to our team. Tasked with ensuring the institution’s financial health, we bring diligence, accuracy and a customer-focused approach to the work we do. Join us as we work together to ensure SAIT is well positioned to meet current and future needs.

The Opportunity

Job classification: A5006 - Senior Purchasing Officer

Salary range: $73,340.80 - $87,568.00

Placement within the range is typically based upon a review of skills, experience, and internal equity.

Paid leave: 3 weeks vacation per year

Position End Date: September 30, 2027

Deadline to apply: 4:00PM, October 2, 2026

Construction Purchasing Specialist is responsible for the procurement of materials, supplies, equipment, and services for the SAIT Facilities Management’s construction projects. In this role, the incumbent will demonstrate a high level of accountability, skill and understanding relating to the application of a variety of procurement applications, processes, standards and procedures (CCDC), including “best value” competitive bidding and negotiation.

This position will ensure all procurement activity being performed is in accordance with SAIT and applicable government procurement regulations, guidelines and procedures. The incumbent will work closely with operations and project managers to promote and maintain a high level of communication and liaison with Facilities Management and with the external construction supplier community.

In order to be successful in this role, the selected incumbent must possess the ability to understand and incorporate technology and internal control processes with business practices. Knowledge of the construction industry and materials to understand the overall picture, demonstrate skills and abilities in construction contracts execution, project phases and lifecycle, and general facilities development is crucial. Excellent computer system and relationship building skills, and a strong understanding of procurement, internal controls and associated financial processes are required.

Please note: as part of the pre-employment screening process, the selected candidate will be required to successfully complete both a Criminal Record Check and a Credit Check.

How You'll Contribute

• Procure a variety of supplies, services and equipment required for construction requirements of SAIT.
• Coordinate all daily procurement activities within construction and operations category.
• Prioritize and monitor workload, ensuring key contract deliverables and deadlines are met.
• In cooperation with the client and in compliance with both SAIT and government requirements, coordinate the competitive bid process for major procurement initiatives.
• Develop competitive bid documents and specifications to permit competitive bidding, issue Public Tender documents, including RFI, RFQ and RFPs.
• Spend Management: continually review spend history and trends in order to identify procurement and contract opportunities.
• Contract Management: manage supply expenditure agreements to ensure contract compliance and efficiencies are achieved.
• Supplier Management: continually review existing supplier base and activity, seeking opportunities for supplier rationalization or strategic sourcing.
• Lead and promote the implementation of and compliance with SAIT procurement process for construction requirements
• Promote Supply Management as an effective resource for addressing procurement and supply management issues across the organization.
• Utilize and maintain proficiency in Banner ERP, the Supply Management Contract Repository System, Alberta Purchasing Connection (APC) Electronic Tendering System, and other applicable procurement systems and tools.

What You Bring

• College Diploma or University Degree in a relevant field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in purchasing or supply chain management.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and competitive bidding is preferred.
• Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation is preferred.
• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM), or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) designation is an asset.
• Knowledge of construction industry and materials, construction contracts execution (CCDC), and facilities project lifecycle is an asset.
• Strong understanding of procurement practices, internal controls, financial processes, and procurement technologies.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and the external contacts.

We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. We understand how important communication is, and we are committed to following up with every candidate. Please know that each application is thoughtfully reviewed, and you will hear from us either way.

Together, we build bold futures

At SAIT, We Equip You With The Resources You Need To Shape Bold Futures For Yourself And Our Communities. We Offer a Comprehensive Package Including

• Generous time off to pursue other passions and support your wellbeing
• SAIT paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision benefits so you, and your family, are well supported
• Benefits supporting mental health and access to Greenshield + for virtual therapy at a reduced rate
• Access to a Health Spending or Taxable Spending Account
• Professional development opportunities through our Free Seat Program, tuition support, access to LinkedIn Learning and discounted Continuing Education & Professional Studies courses
• Defined Benefit pension through LAPP to help you retire with confidence
• Excellent dining options on campus
• Free access to our fitness facilities and group fitness classes

And the perks keep on coming!

About SAIT

At SAIT, we’re building bold futures. We’re a community of tenacious problem-solvers, inventive thinkers, and passionate collaborators who believe in doing work that matters.

Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we’re driven by a desire to create an impact in our community. If you’re looking for a place where purpose meets possibility, you’ve found it here.

We’re committed to community and belonging

Community and belonging is essential to achieving SAIT's vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about Community and Belonging at SAIT.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.