Competition # HW24-164E Department Corporate Services Primary Function

Do you enjoy working within a fast paced, structured environment where job expectations are clear, and quality is never compromised and constant dialogue is encouraged, then this the role for you.

Halifax Water is currently recruiting one (1) Regular, Full-Time Procurement Officer in the Corporate Services Department.

Procurement Officers are key members of the Corporate Services Department, responsible for contributing to the Utility's overall success by providing prompt and professional service that leads to a world-class customer experience.

In Procurement, we ensure an open and fair process that maximizes competition to obtain the best value.

The Procurement Officer will primarily be responsible for the procurement of goods, services and construction, which are to be conducted in accordance with applicable federal, provincial, municipal and corporate policy, laws, rules and regulations.

This position has a direct impact on the timeliness and integrity of the procurement process. The Procurement Officer will engage in procurement planning with user departments, ensuring short-term and long-term strategic procurement goals are met.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to leverage the benefits of standing offer agreements with HRM, Province of Nova Scotia or other MASH sector entities wherever practical when the arrangement results in overall best value.
• Research market sources and vendors and remain current with industry trends and new products and services that may benefit Halifax Water.
• Schedule, organize and facilitate jobsite, pre-bid and pre-proposal meetings, and interviews with short listed proponents.

Attend and preside over public openings for all publicly issued solicitations.

Coordinate the activities of the evaluation committee, ensure transparency and compliance with the procurement process.

Verify bid compliance by ensuring all required documentation is included with bid submission. Evaluate bids received, identify the response that best meets the needs of the user department and is consistent with the terms and conditions of Halifax Water’s procurement policy.

Use judgement, diplomacy and confidentiality with respect to the respondent's bid information while maintaining the integrity of the complete procurement process.

Participate in negotiations with the preferred proponent regarding specifications, scope of work, prices and terms and conditions, prior to award.

Prepare recommendations for award and subsequent contract agreements. Issue purchase orders, as required.

• Encourage and provide supplier debriefing sessions, when requested, with unsuccessful respondents.
• Perform contract administration; including liaison between vendor and user departments, compliance with contract terms and conditions, negotiation of contract amendments, extensions and change orders.

Review service contracts, analyze vendor cost data and perform reviews to ensure compliance by user departments.

Provide vendor performance evaluations, consult with user departments to ensure vendors are meeting the contractual requirements.

Identify, document and communicate vendor gaps in performance, reliability and quality.

Confer with consultants, contractors and suppliers in order to acquaint them with corporate procurement policy and procedures.

Arrange for samples, testing and evaluation of new products.

• Participate in the annual reporting process for legislative requirements, including monitoring and tracking Halifax Water procurement activities.
• Contribute to achievement of procurement goals, continuous improvement initiatives, and participate in trade or reverse trade shows.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

Reporting to : Manager of Procurement.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Education : University degree preferably in business or related field or an acceptable equivalent combination of formal education and experience may be considered.
• Experience : Minimum of three (3) years public procurement experience with an emphasis on public tendering, bid evaluation, contracting and contract management.

Experience with a computerized purchasing system, such as SAP, eProcurement, materials management would be an asset.

Other Requirements

Certificates / Licenses / Registrations : Applicants must have completed or in the process of completing a procurement designation from a recognized institution;

NIGP, SCMA, NECI or another recognized program. A suitable combination of formal education, certification and experience may be considered.

Must be willing to undertake and maintain the following safety training : First AidWHMISAdditional safety training as identified based on legislative and operational requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Exercise a high level of initiative and independent judgement.
• Demonstrated ability to make judgement calls and decisions with respect to procurement activities, within delegated authority, that may affect significantly upon the organization.
• Effective and professional communication skills, both orally and in writing in dealing with the public and staff.
• Personal integrity, confidentiality and the highest degree of ethics must be applied and maintained in all business relationships.
• A forward-thinking professional, recognizing the value of diversity in the operation of procurement in the public sector.
• Strong decision-making and negotiation skills.
• Concentration, accuracy and attention to details are required.
• Superior organizational skills with the ability to multi-task in a high-volume procurement environment.
• Must be resourceful in dealing with complex procurement and find solutions to complex issues.
• Thorough knowledge of various corporate, municipal, provincial, federal legislations, rules, regulations, contract administration, and best practices that govern the procurement process.