IT Procurement Specialist

Ontario Cannabis Store; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 84,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Ontario Cannabis Store as an IT Procurement Specialist, where you will support procurement for IT projects, build strong client relationships, and develop strategic sourcing initiatives. Your role will involve contract negotiations, vendor engagement, and enhancing procurement processes in a diverse and inclusive environment. This full-time position is based in Toronto, offering a hybrid work schedule.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years in an indirect strategic sourcing role (IT, consulting, etc.).
• Basic knowledge of indirect strategic sourcing concepts.
• Experience with IT Hardware, Software, and Networking sourcing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct kick-off meetings and provide vendor engagement recommendations.
• Prepare RFx documents and negotiate contracts.
• Manage assigned contracts and support procurement category lead.

Skills

Indirect strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Vendor engagement

Procurement strategies

Data management

Education

Post-Secondary education in business/commerce or related field

Certification in procurement / Supply Chain Management

Tools

MS Office

ERP programs (D365, Oracle, SAP)

Electronic bidding systems

Job description

About Us

The Ontario Cannabis Store provides safe, responsible access to recreational cannabis for adults 19 and older. We operate the sole legal online store for recreational cannabis in Ontario and are the provincial wholesaler of cannabis for private retail stores.

Working at the OCS is a unique opportunity to be part of an agile start-up in a ground-breaking new industry. We’re a diverse team passionate about delivering a great customer experience, working together with mutual respect and building value out of our differences. We’re an inclusive organization that understands that delivering great results comes out of ensuring every voice is heard.

About the Role

We’re looking for an IT Procurement Specialist to join our Procurement team. The IT Procurement Specialist will be an indirect procurement professional that will support the procurement team at OCS in the successful delivery of the full procurement life cycle for projects within the IT category (Hardware, Software, IT Services, Networking/Telecom), building strong client relationships, and leveraging their expertise to develop and execute procurement strategies.

About Your Day

• Conduct kick-off meetings with all internal and external engagement members to ensure a clear and transparent process while assessing the client’s procurement readiness.
• Provide recommendations for appropriate vendor engagement strategy based on complexity, timelines, and client risk appetite, while ensuring compliance with applicable policies, directives, legislation, and best-value outcomes.
• In collaboration with internal stakeholders and subject matter experts, prepare RFx documents, evaluation methodologies, and negotiation strategies.
• Execute the engagement strategy, prepares award recommendations based upon evaluation results, and notifies successful/unsuccessful vendor(s).
• Complete the contract negotiations with successful vendor(s) and liaises with internal stakeholders to finalize and execute agreements.
• Facilitate de-briefing sessions with unsuccessful vendor(s) on request.
• Ensure all appropriate systems, reporting and data management activities are completed to maintain data integrity for reporting and tracking purposes.
• Provide support to the Procurement Category Lead and the Senior Manager by managing assigned contracts and engagement initiatives across the IT category, or as otherwise directed by the Senior Manager, IT Procurement.
• Administer and update all records of retention of procurement documents, meeting trackers, databases, and supports external and internal audit processes.
• Complement the procurement department in achieving the yearly business objectives by providing support as needed.
• Reduce risks for OCS by applying contract negotiations and public sector guidelines to all engagements managed.
• Remain aware of new market trends to research and investigate potential opportunities, comparing and assessing opportunities with existing methods, and making recommendations to the Senior Manager, IT Procurement.
• Contribute to the enhancement and optimization of existing procurement processes, tools, and supplier development initiatives, while participating in the development of new innovative initiatives and solutions that deliver significant cost reductions and/or service improvement opportunities.
• Promote an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming culture that encourages empowerment and encourages innovation, the free flow of ideas, questioning reasons for process, and proposing efficiencies and solutions.

About You

• Post-Secondary education in business/commerce or related field, and/or supporting courses in business/commerce, finance, procurement, supply chain, or other related areas, or a relevant combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years in an indirect strategic sourcing role (IT, professional services/consulting, marketing etc..)
• Canadian public sector indirect procurement experience is preferred
• Basic knowledge of indirect strategic sourcing concepts.
• Basic knowledge of legal/commercial contract negotiations and the key contract terms that drive risks.
• Experience in IT Hardware, Software, IT Services, and Networking/Telecom sourcing and procurement techniques, contract/subcontract management, with knowledge in IT software and tools is an asset
• Basic knowledge of legal/commercial contract negotiations and the key contract terms that drive risks – specifically IT contract related terms is preferred
• Certification in procurement / Supply Chain Management including, but not limited to: SCMAO, CPPB, CPPO, PSPP or equivalent is an asset
• Intermediate MS Office skills
• Experience with electronic bidding systems (Merx, Biddingo Bids & Tenders, Jaggear, and others), B2B applications, ERP programs such as D365, Oracle, SAP and others is an asset
• Experience with ServiceNow or other Procurement/Contract Management software is an asset

About the Job

• This position currently offers a hybrid work schedule. The current in office requirement is a minimum of 3 days/week (may be more depending on business needs). The OCS office is located near York Mills and Yonge Street. However, OCS reserves the right to change this policy and its office location at any time.
• City: Toronto, ON
• Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time (Bargaining Unit Role; Represented by OPSEU)
• Required Travel: Rare, usually within the GTA

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $84,835- $90,000. This is a pay grade 8 BU role, with a salary range of$84,835-$103,687.Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

We are committed to providing an accessible, equitable and inclusive candidate and employee experience. We provide reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and in employment. If you require an accommodation please let us know, we will work with you to meet your needs.