Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Calgary, AB (NOW HIRING)

Reporting to the Pre-Construction Manager and functional reporting to the CWCI Director of Equipment and Procurement, the Senior Buyer is responsible for researching, purchasing and arranging the delivery of general and specialized equipment, materials and services for construction projects and general company operations, ensuring the best overall value through total cost of ownership, quality, delivery, service and commercial performance.

• In communication with Department/Division managers, plan, schedule and forecast procurement activities.
• Invite tenders, consult with suppliers and review quotations.
• Lead the division in the adoption of approved suppliers, negotiated agreements and procurement best practices.
• Ensure purchases are made on a balance of best price, quality, delivery and payment terms, per established policies and guidelines.  
• Negotiate with new and existing suppliers to ensure the organization receives the best total cost of ownership.
• Develop and implement new purchasing strategies to deliver ongoing cost reductions and process simplification.  This includes supporting Colas Western Canada evolution to category management.
• Establish and develop strong partnership with the management teams and business relationship with the local /regional suppliers.
• Implement and oversee established purchasing policies and procedures that will support the operations while maintaining the integrity of the purchasing function.
• Track price trends and product availability and advise management on their purchase requirements.
• Mentoring, coaching and providing day-to-day directions to the Purchasing Administrator/Clerk.
• Coordinate and plan the work priorities of the Purchasing team.
• Track to ensure purchase orders are allocated and properly coded in the procurement software.  
• Measure and report procurement performance, including cost savings, cost avoidance, supplier performance and compliance with preferred supplier agreements.
• Other related duties as required.
  • Support the implementation and ongoing adoption of Coupa and other procurement initiatives across Standard General Calgary.

Education, Training and Certifications          

• Post-secondary graduate, with a concentration in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain Management or related program, from a recognized institution, or equivalent job-related experience is required.
• SCMP, CPSM or equivalent procurement designation is considered an asset.

Work Experience        

• Minimum 5 to 7 years’ of progressively responsible procurement or supply chain experience, preferably within construction, heavy civil, infrastructure or industrial operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading competitive sourcing, supplier negotiations, contract implementation and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Experience working within a decentralized or multi-division organization is preferred.
• Minimum 1 year experience in a leadership role.

Technical Knowledge

• Experience with Coupa or another procure-to-pay platform is considered an asset, with a demonstrated ability to support system adoption and process improvement.
• Experience with JD Edwards and advanced Microsoft Excel skills are preferred.
• Intermediate knowledge of computers and computer software, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to support digital procurement processes and system adoption is preferred.

• Meet deadlines/Time Management
• Budget/Money Management
• Interpret and follow instructions
• Interpersonal skills
• Plan activities/ Put activities into action
• Strong Communication
• Microsoft Office
• Negotiating
• Organizational
• Analyze/Audit
• Accomplish goals in a team environment
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Analytical and problem solving
• Outgoing
• Change Management experience

• Responsible, dependable and trustworthy
• Fundamental math and calculations
• Active listener
• Patient, pleasant and sociable
• Trusting
• Work well with others
• Logical
• Articulate, clear and concise
• Punctual and timely
• Diplomatic/Tactful
• Demonstrate professionalism
• Demonstrate initiative
• Strive for excellence
• Teach and instruct others
• Multi-task and set priorities effectively

• Short periods of travel may occur on rare occasions and trips to the job site.
• Work is performed in an indoor setting and may include a combination of standing, sitting and walking. Sitting for extended periods of time is required.
• Manual dexterity required to use computer and peripherals.
• Work involves a high degree of concentration, accuracy, calculations, problem solving, communications, negotiations and working under time constraints.
• Overtime as required

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.