I.T. Digital Procurement Specialist (Program Admin. Officer 3)

About Us

Procurement is a division of the Department of Service Nova Scotia (“SNS”) that manages major procurements for departments, agencies, boards, and commissions. The role of Procurement is to ensure an open and fair process that maximizes competition and supports the environment, economy, and society to obtain the best value. We provide the knowledge and expertise required to guide government as it seeks unique, creative, sustainable procurement solutions for complex business needs.

Procurement is changing as a function within the enterprise and as a profession. Our vision is to be the leader in government procurement service delivery, and we will achieve this through integrating an innovative approach in all procurement efforts, resulting in:

·        responsible management of public resources.

·        clear client focus.

·        optimized sourcing solutions; and

·        transparency, compliance, and sustainability accountability to our colleagues and customers.

What is Procurement?

 
This role is focused on procurement and is not considered a supply chain or logistics position. Procurement is defined as the activities involved in establishing requirements, sourcing activities (RFx), market research, and negotiation of contracts to acquire products or services. Moreover, procurement exists to explore supply market opportunities and to implement sourcing strategies that deliver the best possible outcome to the organization, its stakeholders, and Nova Scotia overall.

About Our Opportunity

As the Procurement Specialist, you are responsible for and/or contribute to the strategic sourcing and category management processes relating to an Information Technology / Digital (IT Digital) management category. Our team is seeking to assist in making Nova Scotia a Digital leader by investing in technology to provide positive client experiences and service excellence.  We are instrumental in assisting our clients to improve digital services with innovative ideas to improve business processes and eliminate waste.

The position requires a sound knowledge of the Nova Scotia Sustainable Procurement Policy, Canadian contract and tendering laws plus all relevant acts, regulations, and trade agreements as they pertain to the Canadian public entity procurement environment. 

Primary Accountabilities

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for the total end to end procurement process for IT Digital goods and services, as it relates to significant business initiatives.  The role includes, but is not limited to:

·       supporting and/or leading fair, open and transparent strategic sourcing activities, tactical procurement, and contract management activities.

·       identifying opportunities to achieve sustainable cost savings through stakeholder engagement, spend analytics, category market intelligence, etc.

·       providing advice, leadership and consultation regarding supply market trends, sourcing methodologies, leading procurement practices, cost savings opportunities, and sourcing performance progress.

·       assisting with negotiations of major Government contracts and initiatives.

·       provide direction to Government and the private sector on complex issues of procurement, contracting, negotiation and business relationships.

·       Advise clients on vendor disputes by providing information and recommendations on dispute resolution.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will have a bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of five (5) years of directly related procurement experience including leading RFx through the full procurement cycle, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. 

You must have the following skills or work experience:

•    Demonstrated end-to-end previous experience in RFx (RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, etc.) development and process (Specifically this includes writing of solicitation, specification review and development, Best Value evaluation process, negotiations, contract language/drafting, and award).
•    Advanced critical thinking skills
•    Experience in project management 
•    Interpersonal and creativity skills with a high degree of diplomacy in providing advice and guidance to senior management, as well as being effective to address/resolve vendor and client complaints and queries.
•    Identifying, managing, and mitigating risks and disputes that could result in legal action or have the potential to create the perception of distrust in the Procurement Process.
•    Managing and facilitating meetings, confidently with both stakeholders and vendor industry (in-person and virtually).
•    Adapting rapidly to changing circumstances and environments.
•    Advanced demonstrable time management and organizational skills
•    Advanced skills with the Microsoft Office suite especially Teams, Excel and Word
 
The following would be considered assets:

•    Completion or partial completion of Certification/Training such as PSPP, SCMP or PMP
•    Experience in Contract Management and Vendor performance management
•    Experience and knowledge of Digital related goods and services procurement 
•    Experience in public procurement; and
•    Experience with SAP (procurement modules) and SAP Ariba and SharePoint

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Additional Information

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Halifax. 

What We Offer

·    Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.

Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.

Countless career paths

Department Specific Flexible working schedules