Purchasing Assistant - COR 26028

Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency; Halifax; On-site; CAD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Pension

Paid vacation

Holidays

Work-life balance

Career development

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency is seeking a Purchasing Assistant in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The role supports procurement of goods and services for Corporate Services, handling tenders, orders, and supplier inquiries. This term position requires attention to policy, accuracy, and timely processing.

Responsibilities include maintaining inventory, preparing tender documents, and evaluating vendors. The position offers a 35-hour week with comprehensive benefits for full-time staff.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 or high school equivalent.
• Three years of related experience.
• Strong inventory knowledge and math skills for tender prices and invoices.
• Proficient in MS Office and general computer literacy.
• Ability to source supplies at competitive prices and evaluate vendors.

Responsibilities

• Procure goods and services under established policies; create purchase orders and manage approvals.
• Prepare tender documents, addenda, and change orders; participate in site tours.
• Assist Tender Committee and meetings; help prepare minutes.
• Maintain inventory and analyze weekly usage to determine orders.
• Review new vendor applications and track tender invoices through approvals.

Skills

Inventory management

Mathematical skills

MS Office

Vendor evaluation

Education

High school diploma + 3 years related experience

Tools

Yardi Property Management

Keystone Network Key Control

Job description

Purchasing Assistant

Corporate Services

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Type of Employment: Full Time, Term (Up to 12 months)
Union Status: NSGEU Local 47 (MET)
Competition # COR 26028
Closing Date: October 16, 2026

The Opportunity

Under the general supervision of the Procurement Manager, the Purchasing Assistant is responsible for procuring goods, services, and construction required by the Districts and all departments of Corporate Services under established procurement policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Must Have

• Grade 12 or high school equivalent plus three years' related experience.
• Good knowledge of inventory practices and mathematical skills to check tender price submissions and invoices.
• Excellent computer skills and competency in desktop software including Microsoft Office.
• Sound judgment to initiate and respond to inquiries regarding store operations and questions from contractors/vendors/bidders.
• Ability to source supplies with competitive prices and evaluate vendors and products.

Nice to Have

• Working knowledge of Yardi Property Management software and Keystone Network Key Control software.
• Knowledge of building materials, including plumbing, electrical, and heating components.

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Procure goods and services under policies and procedures which includes compiling sources of supplies/services, information about availability, specifications, and delivery dates for recommendation to and approval of the Procurement Manager or other manager; producing purchase orders; ensuring appropriate spending limits/authorizations are obtained; updating supplier/inventory data/base; reconciling invoice problems with suppliers; and notifying bidders of results.
• Prepare tender documents, including addenda to posted tenders, preparing, tracking, and updating change orders in the system and attending site tours.
• Participate in Tender Committee and pre-job meetings, including arranging meetings, assisting in the evaluation process, and preparing minutes.
• Maintain adequate and just-in-time inventory by reviewing weekly usage reports to determine an order date, quantities required and back-order status.
• Assess new vendor applications, log, and track tender invoices through the approval process, and ensure that required approvals and supporting documents are provided.

What We Offer

• Salary: $24.06 - $26.91 hourly (CL 18)
• Schedule: 35-hour work week

Full-time permanent employees also receive:

• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, life insurance, and pension
• Paid vacation, holidays, sick time and additional leaves
• Work-life balance supports such as modified work weeks
• Professional development and career growth opportunities
• Employee and Family Assistance Program

We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you require accommodation at any stage of the process, please let us know. If you're part of an equity group, we encourage you to self-identify when applying.