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 departments, agencies, boards and commissions and their complex business needs. In Procurement, we ensure an open and fair purchasing 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? 

Procurement is defined as the activities involved in establishing requirements, sourcing activities, 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. SNS Procurement provides knowledge & expertise to guide our clients as they seek unique, creative, sustainable procurement solutions for complex business needs.

Clinical Procurement provides these services to health care organizations in Nova Scotia, including Nova Scotia Health.

About Our Opportunity

As the Procurement Specialist, you are responsible for and/or contribute to the strategic sourcing and category management processes relating to a specific category.

Primary Accountabilities

• Identify opportunities to achieve sustainable cost savings through stakeholder engagement, spend analytics, category market intelligence, etc.;
• Process the total procurement for goods and services as it relates to significant business initiatives which includes, but not limited to, leading and/or supporting strategic sourcing activities, tactical procurement and contract management activities;
• Advise, lead and consult regarding supply market trends, sourcing methodologies, leading procurement practices, cost savings opportunities, and sourcing performance progress;
• Assist with negotiations of major government contracts and initiatives is a major role of this position;
• Understand and apply Canadian contract and tendering law plus all relevant acts, regulations and trade agreements as they pertain to the public procurement environment;
• Provide direction to government and the private sector on complex issues of procurement, contracting, negotiation and business relationships;
• Advise client partners on vendor disputes such as providing information and recommendations for resolution; and
• Procure goods and services within the clinical portfolio (clinical/ health goods & services).

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you have a Bachelor's Degree in addition to a minimum of 5 years related experience with 2 years experience leading RFX in procurement. Related experience includes:

-Project management;
-Lead end to end RFX; 
-Contract drafting;
-Contract negotiation;
-Strategic sourcing;
-Market sounding;
 

You also have the following skills or work experience:

-Interpersonal and creativity skills, as well as 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;
-Ability to identify, manage and mitigate risks and disputes that could result in legal action or have the potential to create the perception of distrust in the Procurement Process;
-Ability to adapt rapidly to changing circumstances and environments;
-Experience in collaboration with demonstrated experience in presentation and negotiation skills;
-Advanced demonstrable time management and organizational skills are required;
-Ability to manage and coordinate meetings with both stakeholders and vendor industry (in-person and virtually);
-Excellent skills with the Microsoft Office suite especially Excel and Word; and
-Proven team player working collaboratively with management, peers & client.

Assets

-Completion or partial completion of Certification/Training such as PMP, CAPM, PSPP, SCMP;
-Experience working in a clinical procurement environment;
-Experience in contract negotiations;
-Experience in public procurement; and
-Experience with SAP (procurement modules) and SAP Ariba.
 

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

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.

Working Conditions

• This role is primarily based in an office environment.
• You must be able to work efficiently and effectively in a workplace environment that is constantly dealing with time pressures and caseload demands.
• You may be working at your computer for extended periods of time.
• The Procurement team is currently working in a hybrid model with specified office and remote days.

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.