Senior Buyer

Job Description

Senior Buyer

Competition Number: 25/76

Posting Scope: Internal / External

Posted Date: April 17, 2025

Closing Date: May 8, 2025, 4:30 PM PST

Department: Finance

Posting Type: Maternity/Parental Leave Replacement – up to 18 months

Work schedule: Monday to Friday (35 hour work week)

Salary: $50.45 per hour, Pay Grade 15

Job Code: 4177

Employee Group: This is a CUPE Local 50 position

Number of Vacancies: 1

WORK FROM HOME

The successful candidate may be eligible for participation in a hybrid, work from home arrangement in alignment with the City’s Work from Home Policy. Such arrangements are determined with each employee and subject to change based on operational needs and policy direction.

FLEX

The successful candidate would participate in a modified work week, earning a flex day off each bi-weekly period by working additional time each day. Modified work weeks are established in accordance with the CUPE Local 50 Collective Agreement and are subject to change.

POSITION FUNCTION

Coordinate and participate in the operation of the Supply Management Services Division to procure a variety of materials, services, and equipment.

KEY DUTIES

1. Review purchase order requisitions for materials, services, and equipment for major projects such as building construction, computer systems, and consultant services; determine user requirements and method of procurement; issue purchase orders; liaise with departments and consultants to review detailed specifications and major project schedules.
2. Compose and prepare documents for pre-qualifications, expressions of interest, requests for offers, tenders, and requests for proposals; determine type and amount of financial security for bidders and contractors; determine supplier list; arrange and conduct site viewings, pre-proposal conferences, and product demonstrations for bidders; conduct tender openings, maintain confidential records, and provide advice on project contract administration.
3. Interpret tender results, evaluate products and services, conduct evaluation committee and contract administration meetings, analyze justifications, prepare related spreadsheets, and formulate recommendations to supervisor, user departments, Directors, City Manager, or Committee of the Whole; negotiate agreements and shipping methods with suppliers.
4. Approve emergency purchase requests; advise user departments on purchasing policy, procedures, and government acts and regulations; make recommendations to supervisor regarding purchasing policy and procedures; review legal decisions, contracts, and liability issues with legal advisors; represent the division at meetings with other departments, consultants, and committees; respond to enquiries and complaints from departments and suppliers regarding purchase orders, contractual or accounting problems; assist in the administration of the Purchasing Card Program.
5. Coordinate, review, and participate in the work of approximately 2 buying staff; ensure schedules, procedures, and established performance and safety standards are met; provide training and input to employee performance appraisals.
6. Perform related duties where qualified.

INDEPENDENCE

Work is generated by user requests or is assigned by supervisor. Work is reviewed through production meetings with supervisor. Issues such as approval of tender documents and changes to purchasing policy are discussed with supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Effort: Normal.

Mental Effort: Short periods of intense concentration while preparing and reviewing contracts and documents (often); meet multiple deadlines (often).

Visual/Auditory Effort: Focus on a variety of source data and computer for short periods (occasional).

Work Environment: Office.

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Understand and apply the techniques of public sector purchasing.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Evaluate quality, price, and suitability of materials, equipment, and services.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Organize and prioritize work.
• Make recommendations and facilitate meetings.
• Read related technical drawings and specifications.
• Working level operation of current City of Victoria spreadsheet programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Formal Education, Training and Occupational Certification:

• High school graduation.
• Level IV Purchasing Management Association of Canada's Certified Professional Purchaser Accreditation Program (3 years).

Experience:

• 4 years of purchasing experience including public sector purchasing and tendering.

or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

OTHER:

May be requested to substitute in a more senior position.

To apply for this opportunity, you will need to create an online profile or log back into our career portal at www.victoria.ca/jobs - only online submissions will be considered. All applications must be submitted online by 4:30 pm on the closing date noted on the posting. Please be prepared to provide proof of qualifications as outlined in your resume.

The City of Victoria is committed to integrating equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into our programs, policies, spaces, and services. Our goal is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve and aim to become. Individuals who are Indigenous, racialized, immigrants, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, or facing any additional barriers are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be available upon request throughout the application and selection process.

If you require assistance, please email us at careers@victoria.ca.