Senior Procurement Specialist

The Senior Procurement Specialist is a key contributor to the success of the organization’s procurement strategy by leading complex sourcing initiatives, optimizing end-to-end procurement processes, and implementing value-driven solutions. Reporting to the Manager, Procurement & Contract Management, this role provides guidance on procurement best practices, ensures compliance with applicable legislation and trade agreements, and strengthens supplier and stakeholder partnerships. The Senior Procurement Specialist champions continuous improvement, digital enablement, and data-informed decision-making to enhance value, transparency, and operational efficiency. 

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Assesses and manages procurement risks including supply chain disruptions, supplier performance, contract compliance, and fraud prevention, implementing appropriate mitigation strategies and controls.


• Leads procurement transactions,  standard contract review and related processing activities, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with organizational policies


• Leads a variety of public solicitations on behalf of PRPA, including the preparation of RFPs, RFQs, and RFIs; facilitation of evaluation processes, and support of contract awards.


• Identifies and implements improvements in procurement workflows, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and contributes to the development and continuous improvement of procurement policies, procedures, and templates.


• Supports sourcing strategies to optimize supplier selection, reduce costs, and improve service levels, providing advice on sourcing approaches and exceptions as needed.


• Analyzes procurement spending trends and identifies opportunities for cost reductions, bulk purchasing, and supplier consolidation, providing insights and recommendations to management.


• Supports the assessment and monitoring of supplier performance, negotiating favorable contract terms to achieve best value and risk mitigation.


• Oversees procurement activities to ensure adherence to procurement policies, trade agreements, and regulatory requirements, maintaining transparency and fairness in procurement activities.


• Manages procurement budgets and applies financial analysis, including total cost of ownership, lifecycle costing, and capital vs. operational expenditure evaluation to optimize purchasing decisions and organizational value.


• Understands tax implications in procurement, including GST/HST/PST application, Input Tax Credit recovery, tax-exempt considerations, and capital equipment tax treatment, ensuring compliant and cost-effective purchasing decisions.


• Manages the use of procurement software and digital tools to enhance efficiency, streamline approvals, and improve spend visibility, and supports digital transformation initiatives to enhance user adoption and data accuracy.


• Mentors and collaborates with internal departments to align procurement activities with organizational needs and priorities, providing coaching and training to build procurement literacy and compliance across departments.


• Conducts market research to identify emerging trends, potential cost savings, and new supplier opportunities.


• Tracks procurement metrics, prepares reports, and provides insights to support data-driven decision-making.


• Develops and maintains strong relationships with suppliers to improve service quality and reduce costs, ensuring performance feedback and continuous improvement.


• Performs other duties as assigned by the Manager, Procurement & Contract Management.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Formal Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.


• Additional education in Procurement or Supply Chain Management as well as a professional designation in Public Procurement will be considered an asset.

Related Experience

• Minimum five years’ related experience in procurement or contract management in a high-volume corporate environment


• Strong working knowledge of purchasing strategies, competitive bid management, and contract negotiation


• Proficiency in ERP systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and data analysis/reporting skills, with a focus on improving procurement operations.


• Proficiency in ERP systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and data analysis/reporting skills, with a focus on improving procurement operations.


• Experience working in a cross-cultural environment, preferably with First Nations communities, is considered an asset.


• Experience working in the Public Sector will be considered an asset 

Other Requirements

• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence outcomes.


• Good customer service skills, with a focus on partnership and solution orientation


• Good organizational skills and attention to details.


• Strong judgment and tact in dealing with sensitive issues and confidential information.


• Strategic thinker with proven ability to balance compliance with practical outcomes and continuous improvement.


• Excellent relationship building skills. Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of employees, suppliers, and external partners.


• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.  


• Able to obtain security clearance under Transport Canada's Security Clearance Program.


• Commitment to the values, mission, and mandate of the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

The base salary range for this role is $107,936.00 - $134,919.00. This position is eligible for a performance-based variable incentive targeted at 15% of the base salary.