Inventory & Distribution Representative – Procurement Services (Bargaining Unit 179)

CareerBeacon; Halifax; On-site; CAD 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Defined Contribution Pension plan

Vacation

Flexible Workplace

Holiday closure

Summer hour schedule

Transit EPass discount

Job summary

Saint Mary's University is seeking an Inventory & Distribution Representative for its Procurement Services team. The role focuses on optimizing inventory, handling shipments, and coordinating with suppliers to ensure timely delivery to campus locations.

Responsibilities include stock assessment, warehouse coordination, and accurate documentation, with an emphasis on safety and compliance. This is a permanent, full-time position under the bargaining unit 179, Group 5, with a strong benefits

Qualifications

• High School completion with courses in materials handling.
• Minimum two years of experience with a computerized inventory system.
• Experience with Canada Post services (Express Post, Registered Mail, Business Reply).
• WHMIS training or willingness to enrol in certification programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Occasionally sources items externally and coordinates with suppliers and Manager, Procurement Services.
• Assess inventory needs and stock items or coordinate with suppliers.
• Explore best-practice sourcing strategies for MRO materials and review with Manager.
• Ensure safe handling of incoming shipments and delivery to campus destinations.
• Maintain documentation and trace goods to final destination; investigate discrepancies.
• Manage deliveries, customs parcels, and BRM postings; reconcile postage statements.
• Receive and sign for freight and courier deliveries; post charges to university accounts.
• Monitor inventory levels and perform stock takes; plan contingencies.
• Transfer surplus materials to volunteer organizations when required.

Skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Inventory software

Job description

Date Posted: September 28th, 2026

Posting Deadline: October 13th, 2026

Department: Procurement Services

Type of Employment: Permanent, Full-Time

Group Affiliation: Bargaining Unit 179, Group 5 ($40,713- $46,728 annually)

At Saint Mary's University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the University's success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Inventory & Distribution Representative to join our Procurement Services team.

What we offer

As a team member at Saint Mary's, we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Defined Contribution Pension plan
• Vacation
• Flexible Workplace
• Holiday closure
• Summer hour schedule
• Discounted Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit

Job Information and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Supervisor, Procurement Services, the Inventory & Distribution Representative will:

• Occasionally sources items externally, if required, by means of internet searching, contacting known suppliers and through consultation with Manager, Procurement Services.
• Assesses when goods should be stocked in inventory and when they can be stored with the supplier on an "as required" basis; works closely with suppliers to ensure optimum service.
• Explores "best practice" sourcing strategies for, but not limited to, electrical, plumbing and hardware supplies for Maintenance, Repairs & Operations (MRO) materials and reviews them with Manager, Procurement Services.
• Ensures safe handling practices of incoming shipments and delivery to the final destination on campus, including the delivery of heavy items.
• Ensures documentation associated with each delivery is properly completed and that all goods can be traced to their final destination; discrepancies must be noted for further investigation.
• Initiates follow up with service providers when delays are experienced. Receives Customs parcels and notifies departments; Custom slips from customs parcels to P2P with department names noted. Returns unclaimed customs parcels with documentation to Canada Post.
• Receives and signs for university and student freight and courier deliveries.
• Determines the correct class of mail, weighs materials, prepares registered and other special delivery mail, posts outgoing mail allocating the charges to the appropriate university account through the computerized Mail Management system.
• Maintains the Business Reply Program (BRM); posts charges to the appropriate end user. Reconciles spreadsheet to Canada Post statement. Notifies departments to top up their accounts, when balances are low. Creates BRM indicia for use by print houses, when required.
• Manages materials and supply inventories for use by trades and university departments.
  • Enters receiving information (Goods Receipt) in the computerized inventory system.
  • Verifies requisitions for correct signing authority and commodity codes and appropriate FOAP.
  • Enters issues (Goods Issue) in the computerized inventory system.
  • Picks requisitioned materials from stock and delivers to end users on campus
  • Ensures hazardous materials and/or dangerous goods are handled in accordance with the internal I&D Safety Manual
  • Performs inventory stock taking, when required.
  • Monitors inventory levels, including determining optimal quantities and contingency planning
• Identifies and arranges transfer of surplus materials to various volunteer organizations/societies/, when required

The Collective Agreement can be viewed Here

Experience and Education Requirements

To be the successful Inventory & Distribution Representative you will have:

• High School completion, completion of related courses in materials handling, warehouse management and safe work practices.
• Minimum two (2) years' of directly related experience with a computerized inventory system, and Maintenance, Repairs and Operations materials.
• Experience with standard Canada Post services such as Express Post, Registered Mail, Business Reply etc.
• Previous experience with standard courier programs an asset.
• Must have, or be willing to enrol in WHMIS training and other certification programs, as required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to perform in a flexible work environment.
• Above average interpersonal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills.

At Saint Mary's University equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we welcome applications from women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity and others who might contribute to the growth and enrichment of our community.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].