Director, Purchasing

SMS Equipment Inc.; Alberta; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SMS Equipment Inc. is searching for a strategic Director of Purchasing to lead national procurement initiatives. This senior role involves overseeing procurement strategies, managing supplier negotiations, and developing a high-performing team. Join a dynamic organization committed to innovation and excellence.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Annual performance bonus

Flexible hybrid work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of senior-level purchasing experience.
• Proven experience managing large-scale tenders and capital procurement.
• Expertise in contract negotiation and change management.

Responsibilities

• Lead national procurement strategy aligned with operational goals.
• Negotiate complex, high-value contracts and oversee supplier performance.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to enhance purchasing practices.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Change Management

Contract Negotiation

Supply Chain Management

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

Undergraduate degree in supply chain or business

Advanced education or professional designations (e.g., SCMP, CPSM)

Tools

Procurement systems

Inventory management tools

Job description

Reports to : General Manager, Parts & Supply Chain

Lead National Procurement Strategy. Drive Transformation. Make an Impact.

Are you a strategic procurement leader ready to shape the future of purchasing at a national level? SMS Equipment is seeking a seasoned Director, Purchasing to lead enterprise-wide procurement initiatives across our Canadian operations. This is a unique opportunity for a high-caliber, senior-level professional to join a progressive organization where your experience, voice, and vision will make a real difference.

Within SMS Equipment, you will oversee the development and execution of comprehensive procurement strategies, national tenders, capital equipment purchasing, and supply chain innovations. Reporting to the GM, Parts & Supply Chain, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping technology decisions, modernizing processes, and driving cost optimization and supplier performance.

You'll lead a diverse, high-performing team, guiding the development of procurement talent across the country and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

We’re looking for a proven change agent—someone who brings deep expertise in purchasing and supply chain, with the confidence and capability to make decisions, lead transformation, and build high-performing teams across a complex, national environment.

What You’ll Do : Strategic Leadership

• Champion and execute a national procurement strategy aligned with SMS’s operational goals.
• Lead the transformation of procurement processes and tools, with a focus on technology integration, automation, and efficiency.
• Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on sourcing models, risk mitigation, and capital investment purchasing.
• Lead major sourcing initiatives and national-level tenders, delivering cost-effective and high-performance supplier partnerships.
• Negotiate complex, high-value contracts and oversee supplier performance, compliance, and risk management.

Technology & Process Optimization

• Evaluate and implement procurement systems and tools to enhance visibility, reporting, and workflow automation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that streamline operations and enhance scalability across regions.
• Provide visionary leadership to a national purchasing team, setting clear direction and expectations that align with SMS’s strategic goals.
• Foster a culture of trust, empowerment, and excellence across all levels of the department.
• Build and execute talent development and succession plans, identifying future leaders and mentoring team members at all stages of their careers.
• Actively manage performance, coach for growth, and cultivate a high-engagement environment that supports professional development and team stability.

Cross-Functional Influence

• Partner with Operations, Parts, Finance, and Branch teams to align purchasing practices across all SMS locations.
• Provide strategic guidance on transportation, freight, travel procurement, and cost-control initiatives.

Corporate Responsibility

• Lead procurement-related ESG and sustainability initiatives.
• Support Indigenous partnerships through our PAIR program, including planning, training, and events.

What You Bring

• Minimum 10 years of senior-level purchasing in a national or enterprise setting.
• Proven experience managing large-scale tenders, capital procurement, and complex supplier portfolios.
• A track record of driving transformation in procurement practices, technologies, and strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and scale high-performing procurement teams across a complex, multi-site organization.
• Strong business acumen, financial literacy, and the ability to influence at the executive level.
• Undergraduate degree in supply chain, business, or a related field; advanced education or professional designations (e.g., SCMP, CPSM) are assets.
• Expertise in contract negotiation, system implementation, and change management.
• Deep understanding of procurement systems and inventory management tools.
• Experience with purchasing in heavy equipment, manufacturing, industrial, or large distribution environments is preferred.

Why Join SMS Equipment?

At SMS, we don’t just supply equipment—we build careers, communities, and capabilities. You’ll be joining a team committed to innovation, inclusion, and excellence in everything we do. You’ll have the autonomy to lead, the tools to succeed, and the support to grow.

Compensation includes a competitive base salary, annual performance bonus, and flexible hybrid work environment.

This posting is for an existing vacancy within SMS Equipment. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is hired.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for interview will be contacted.