Leader, Contract Services (Head Office)

Defence Construction Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A federal contracting authority seeks a Leader, Contract Services in Ottawa, responsible for quality delivery of contracting services and managing risks. This role includes developing relationships, coaching staff, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in procurement with an engineering or architecture background. Exceptional leadership skills and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments are crucial. This position offers excellent growth opportunities and comprehensive benefits including a wellness allowance and a public-service pension.

Benefits

$400 wellness allowance

$1,500 for mental health services

Life and short-term disability insurance

Comprehensive vacation plans

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in procurement or related fields.
• Ability to resolve complex problems with multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrate leadership and human resources management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage overall quality of contracting services delivery.
• Review and approve initiation and award of contracts.
• Supervise preparation of complex solicitation documents.

Skills

Best practices in procurement

Risk management

Financial management

Human resources management

Project management principles

Education

Undergraduate degree in engineering, architecture or related field

Certification related to procurement

Tools

Computer software and operating systems

Job description

SUMMARY

The Leader, Contract Services (Head Office), is responsible for overall quality of contracting services delivery, including the quality and technical aspects of contract documents, in particular off-template or complex requests for proposals. Working with a wide, geographically dispersed client base, the Leader develops relationships with these clients, exercises positive influence, and resolves conflicts. The incumbent manages risks associated with contracting activity and makes difficult decisions to balance Client-Partner and industry interests within a legal and regulatory framework. The incumbent leads a team of professionals and manages the human resources responsibilities for the team. The Leader also manages Client-Partner relationship. In addition, the incumbent develops creative solutions and ensures the service line supports collaboration, and quality and timeliness of deliverables.

KEY AND PERIODIC ACTIVITIES

The duties and responsibilities listed below are representative but not all inclusive:

• Review and approve the initiation and award of contracts within the limits of delegated signing authority
• Provide recommendations to the Regional Service Line Leaders, National Director and Vice-President Operations–Procurement, and oversee all associated contracting activity (e.g. writing solicitation documents)
• Supervise, coordinate and monitor preparation of complex solicitation documents, conduct industry research and facilitate the management of priorities
• Manage risks associated with contracting and ensure DCC complies with various policies and agreements (e.g., Government Contracts Regulations, Directive on the Management of Procurement, trade agreements, competitive bidding law, Procurement Strategy on Indigenous Business, comprehensive land claims agreements)
• Manage risks (e.g. environmental, safety, bidding, constructability risks)
• Coach, train and influence Contract Services staff to ensure proactive and effective procurement planning
• Develop and maintain effective relationships within DCC, and with industry, the Client-Partners and/or stakeholders
• Exercise influence and manage conflict with industry
• Perform human resources functions (e.g. coach, supervise, mentor, plan and allocate resources, manage performance)
• Ensure quality standards are met, in line with corporate expectations

Other

• Oversee and ensure timely and efficient delivery of services, and meeting of all key performance indicators
• Conduct market research in support of development of regional and national procurement strategies
• Other duties as assigned

SKILLS

General and Specific Knowledge

• Best practices, methods, trends and legislation in procurement
• Best practices and trends in strategic planning, risk management, financial management and human resources management
• DCC and Client-Partner procurement processes and procedures
• Government policies and trade agreements
• Project and risk management principles

Formal Education and/or Certification(s) and Experience

• Minimum: undergraduate degree in engineering, architecture or related field with eight years’ relevant experience, or the equivalent
• Preferred: university degree in one of the above fields or certification related to procurement (e.g. Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Certified Federal Procurement Specialist, Level II, or Certified Public Procurement Officer from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council)

Abilities

• Use applicable computer software and operating systems
• Write proposals, technical texts and reports
• Resolve complex problems with multiple stakeholders
• Apply project and risk management techniques
• Demonstrate business acumen, leadership and human resources management skills

DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP

• Lead and manage direct reports
• Provide functional direction and advice to Contract Services team and other employees, and to Client-Partners and stakeholders

WORKING CONDITIONS

Typical office environment with occasional travel

Working with us offers excellent opportunities for growth and advancement—and entitles you to one of the job market’s best benefits packages valued at between 25 and 30% of your salary.

Health and Wellness

• $400 wellness allowance to help cover expenses such as a gym membership
• $1,500 for mental health services on top of regular $1,500 paramedical coverage
• Telus Virtual Health Care

Home and Family

• Life, accidental-death, and short-term disability insurance
• Enhanced inConfidence employee and family assistance program
• Flexible workplace options, including $400 allowance every two years, to support working from home

Leave and Retirement

• Public-service pension
• Comprehensive vacation and other paid-leave plans, along with deluxe travel benefit plans