Purchasing Agent

Aecon; Bowmanville; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Aecon is seeking a Purchasing Agent to oversee procurement for projects in the nuclear sector, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have experience in nuclear construction procurement, be proficient in handling contracts, and have strong interpersonal skills to support project teams effectively. This position is based in Pickering, Ontario, requiring a proactive approach to supplier management and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years experience in Nuclear Construction Industry in procurement role.
• 5+ years in conventional procurement role acceptable.
• Working knowledge of Nuclear Codes & Standards beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full procurement lifecycle.
• Negotiate contracts, develop procurement plans, and secure materials.
• Conduct market research and maintain supplier relationships.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Planning

Negotiation

Decision making

Time management

Customer service orientation

Education

Completion of Materials and Operations Management Program

Enrollment in PMAC’s Accreditation Program

Job description

Spanning five decades and more than 400 nuclear energy projects, Aecon Nuclear’s portfolio of building, refurbishing, maintaining and decommissioning nuclear power facilities reflects a record of project success that ranges from small but essential maintenance contracts to major construction endeavours. Aecon supports clients with expert project management and trades working to Aecon’s most exacting standards, based on the nuclear industry’s fundamental principles of safety, reliability, quality and predictable performance.

Aecon has successfully executed a broad range of projects, including construction of the Bruce ‘B’ heavy Water Plant, Bruce Unit 1 & 2 Balance of Plant Refurbishment and the Darlington Used Fuel Dry Storage Project. This kind of experience and track record has made Aecon a trusted supplier to clients for their mission critical projects. The Darlington Retube and Feeder Replacement Project (RFR) – Ontario Power Generation’s largest nuclear project, and the fabrication, assembly, inspection, examination and testing of 24 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Mechanical Process Modules for two new build nuclear power plants in the U.S. are key examples of Aecon Nuclear’s flagship projects.

Aecon’s unparalleled industry experience has also helped with securing long-term master service agreements with longstanding clients in key sectors of the Canadian economy. In the nuclear power sector, these trusted partnerships are especially and increasingly important.

To support the nuclear sector in Canada, Aecon maintains a nuclear quality management system compliant to the requirements of CSA Standards N286-05, CAN3-Z299.1 and N286.7. Additionally, Aecon maintains several CSA N285.0 Certificates of Authorization. Aecon’s N, NPT, NS & NA Stamps from the ASME, coupled with programmatic compliance to U.S. Federal Regulation 10CFR50 Appendix B, has extended Aecon’s reach to the U.S. and international nuclear markets.

The position is located in Pickering, Ontario and reporting to the Procurement Manager. The Purchasing Agent is responsible to negotiate pricing and terms for various commodities, equipment, and services for the OPG ESMSA portfolio.

What You'll Do Here :

• Primary responsibility is to lead and manage the full procurement lifecycle to support the overall success of a project or site.
• The range of activities includes early engagement and demand planning, developing a procurement plan in support of the full project lifecycle, including the tendering process, market solicitation, negotiation, contract award and contract management.
• The position will require procurement of equipment, material & components as well as Nuclear safety related materials & components primarily for use in Nuclear Power Plants in Canada. This may include but not limited to : plate, structural steel, pipe, tubing, fittings, valves, weld consumables, electrical components & supplies, and personal protective wear.
• Review of purchase requisitions and related documentation to ensure clarity and completeness with the description of materials, components or equipment, quantity, adherence to quality assurance requirements, proper authorization of funding, delivery requirements, & desired mode of transportation.
• Preparation and issuance of standard and quality related Request for Quotation (RFQ’s) to qualified vendors based on Aecon’s Approved Suppliers List (ASL)
• Conduct market-based research to develop new suppliers that would add value to Aecon projects.
• Provide assistance to the Procurement Manager to develop project specific procurement plans or as assigned, take the lead in developing such plans.
• Negotiation or assistance with the negotiation for major contracts of best price, delivery, terms of payment and purchase conditions, tax exemptions, price escalation, and other factors impacting the supply of material or components.
• Assisting the Procurement Manager to develop and implement detailed strategies for procurement, including cost reduction strategies to meet organizational goals and objectives.
• Working with Aecon Operations personnel and supporting regional offices in obtaining materials required as needed.
• Support estimating team with pricing at tendering stage.
• Ensuring quality, reliability and responsiveness to operational needs which meet or exceed organizational expectations.
• Accountability to ensure our internal clients are serviced beyond normal business hours.
• Ensure training on the Aecon Quality assurance manual is accurate and up to date.
• Supplier and job site visits to assist Quality Department.
• Continually keep informed about new products and consumer trends.

What You Bring to the Table :

• 2-3 years experience in the Nuclear Construction Industry in a procurement role or 5+ years experience in a conventional procurement role.
• Completion of Materials and Operations Management Program at the College or University Level an asset.
• Enrollment in or completion of PMAC’s Accreditation Program is preferred Microsoft Office Products.
• Working knowledge of OPG Passport system would be considered an asset.
• Working knowledge of Nuclear Codes & Standards as they relate to procurement activities, These may include but not be limited to : ASME Section III, ASME NCA-4000, ASME NQA-1, CSA N285.0, CSA N286-05, and CSA Z299 / N299 Series.
• Basic knowledge of other material or component codes and standards would be an asset. These may include but not be limited to : ASME Section II & ASME SECTION III, ASTM, & CSA.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage priorities is critical.
• Good Interpersonal skills are essential.
• Customer service oriented.
• Good planning, decision making, negotiation and time management skills are essential.
• Knowledge of competitive trends & sales techniques.
• Knowledge of SAP planning system would be an asset.
• Occasional travel to suppliers facilities to participate in source inspections, view operations and discuss improvement opportunities.
• Travel to project sites to participate in meetings required.
• Work under pressure of tight timelines.
• Ability to provide procurement support during non-standard working hours.
• Due to the nature of work conducted by Aecon, mandated nuclear export controls requirements must be met for employment.
• Our background check process includes a full security check and clearance process as well as reference checks. The security clearance process includes a comprehensive list of previous residences, employment, education and other pertinent information. Those with a valid Bruce Power security clearance are strongly preferred.