Procurement Specialist (Program Admin Officer 3)

About Us

Procurement is a division of the Department of Service Nova Scotia (“SNS”) that manages major purchases for all government departments, agencies, boards and commissions, as well as Nova Scotia Health (”NSH”). In Procurement, we ensure an open and fair procurement process to meet the needs of our clients that maximizes competition while supporting 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 and 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;
• strategic category-based approach;
• optimized sourcing solutions; and
• transparency, compliance, and sustainability accountability to our colleagues, clients and the public.

About Our Opportunity

In this role you will work in a fast-paced environment with a high volume of complex work that will require the capacity to manage various tasks and competing priorities and deadlines. As a Procurement Specialist, reporting to the Category Manager – Professional Services, you are responsible for and/or contribute to strategic sourcing and category management processes primarily within the Professional Services category, but you may contribute to procurement projects in other categories from time to time. Professional Services portfolios include management consulting, legal services, financial services, marketing and communications, training, and education, and more.

The position requires a sound knowledge of Canadian contract and tendering law, plus all relevant acts, regulations, and trade agreements as they pertain to the public procurement environment. Another key mandate is the ability to provide direction to Government and the private sector on complex issues of procurement, contracting, negotiation and business relationships. The successful candidate will understand the nuances that separate procurement and purchasing, ensuring procurement processes are completed in a manner that positions our clients to successfully proceed with purchasing.

Primary Accountabilities

Responsibilities will include: 

• The total procurement process for goods and services as it relates to significant business initiatives including, but not limited to, supporting and/or leading strategic sourcing activities, tactical procurement, and contract development and management activities. 
• Providing advice, leadership and consultation regarding supply market trends, sourcing methodologies, leading procurement practices, and sourcing performance progress. 
• Identifying and recommending opportunities to achieve sustainable cost savings through stakeholder engagement, spend analysis, and market intelligence.
• Developing RFX’s (RFP, RFSQ, RFQ) in collaboration with clients and/or subject matter experts, conducting a fair evaluation process, and assisting with or leading negotiations of major Government contracts and initiatives. 
• Building relationships with key stakeholders and delivering excellent client service.
• Addressing vendor disputes and/or providing advice and recommendations for dispute resolution.

Qualifications and Experience

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 5 years related experience in procurement (or an equivalent combination of training and experience), including demonstrated end-to-end experience in RFX (RFP, RFSQ, RFQ) development and process (specifically: drafting of solicitation; collaboration and review of specifications, deliverables, contractual obligations, pricing and rated evaluation criteria;  facilitation of best value evaluation process; contract development and award).
 
 

You are also expected to have the following skills or work experience:
 
•    Demonstrated presentation and negotiation skills. 
•    Experience in project management, team facilitation and collaboration.
•    Adept in shifting perspectives and influencing others through clear, persuasive communication.
•    Strong interpersonal skills with a knack for delivering creative or innovative solutions.
•    Capable of exhibiting a high degree of diplomacy in both providing advice and guidance to senior management and effectively addressing/resolving client and vendor queries and complaints.
•    Ability to identify, mitigate and manage risks and disputes that could result in legal action or have the potential to create the perception of distrust in the procurement process.
•    Capable of adapting rapidly to changing circumstances and environments.
•    Advanced time management and organizational skills.
•    High proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.
•    Ability to manage and facilitate meetings with both stakeholders and vendor industry (in-person and virtually).

The following are considered assets:
 
•    Completion or partial completion of related certification/training such as: Supply Chain Canada, SCMP, PSPP or NIGP;
•    Experience in procurement of professional services;
•    Experience in contract negotiations;
•    Experience in market and/or spend analysis;
•    Experience in public sector procurement; and
•    Experience with SAP (procurement modules) and SAP Ariba.
 
 

Upon review of applications, candidate qualifications and competencies may be further assessed using one or more of the following tools: written examination, oral presentation, interview(s), and reference check.

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.

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.