Required PositionFull-Time Appointment
Responsibilities Vacancy Status: Existing position Reporting to the Associate Vice-President, Financial Services, the Director, Procurement & Contracts provides strategic leadership and oversight for the University's supply chain operations. The incumbent directs the end-to-end Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process to ensure regulatory compliance, fiscal responsibility, and operational excellence in alignment with institutional strategic objectives. The Director oversees the development of procurement policies and manages institutional risk through robust contract administration and vendor relationship management.
Strategic Planning & Initiatives: - Formulates forward-thinking supply chain strategies and establishes core university outcomes and project timetables.
- Develops innovative procurement solutions and leverages technology to enhance supplier management and institutional purchasing power.
- Advises senior leadership and stakeholders across the organization on strategic procurement initiatives and complex contracting activities.
Compliance & Reporting: - Interprets and enforces compliance with Trade Agreements, Broader Public Sector Directives, legislation, and university policies.
- Evaluates procurement actions to ensure they are ethical, fair, transparent, and adhere to applicable common law and Ontario statutes.
- Generates executive summaries and government reports to ensure timely and accurate accountability to the Board of Governors and external regulatory bodies.
Leadership & Development - Mentors the procurement team by fostering professional development and creating an engaging, collaborative work environment.
- Facilitates training sessions for the university community to promote consistency in procurement services and policy alignment.
- Coordinates cross-training initiatives to ensure continuity of service delivery and operational integrity within Financial Services.
Operational Management & Oversight - Oversees the integrity of the Procure-To-Pay (P2P) system and monitors daily operations to address emerging issues.
- Directs the continuous flow of goods, services, and construction projects to support the university's functional requirements.
- Manages departmental resources and operational workflows to achieve efficiency and support the university's financial goals.
Partnership Development - Negotiates complex contract terms and service level agreements with vendors and external stakeholders to mitigate institutional risk.
- Represents the university on external procurement committees and buying groups to achieve economies of scale and align sector policies.
- Collaborates with internal departments to balance urgent operational needs with fiscal responsibility and ethical standards.
Other Duties - Performs other duties within the professional scope and skill level of the position, in full compliance with applicable legislation, university policies, and collective agreements.
Qualifications - Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field.
- Eight (8) to ten (10) years of relevant experience.
- Three (3) to five (5) years of managerial experience.
- Certified Professional Purchaser designation in Supply Chain Management (CSCMP/NISCL/MCIPS)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated problem-solving, attention to detail, and conflict resolution skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to meet deadlines.
- Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced envir Experience in managing institutional records, adhering to retention policies, and ensuring data integrity.
- Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision, take initiative, and collaborate effectively within a team environment.
- Proven discretion and sound judgment when managing highly confidential business, financial, or personnel data.
- Expertise in all aspects of the employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and professional development.
- Proven ability to lead and guide teams through organizational transitions, process improvements, or significant policy changes.
- Experience in analyzing staffing needs, succession planning, and developing strategies to meet future talent requirements.
- Proficiency in budgeting and financial management within a university framework.
- Experience in identifying and mitigating financial and operational risks to ensure institutional stability.
- Proficiency in managing all aspects of accounts payable and receivable, including vendor payments, invoicing, and collections.
- Experience in selecting, negotiating with, and overseeing third-party vendors and contractors for maintenance and capital projects.
- Proven ability to negotiate terms, pricing, and service level agreements (SLAs) with vendors, and to manage contracts throughout their lifecycle.
- Ability to work fluently (verbal and written) in both official languages, French and English, is required.
Applications are being accepted to fill an active vacancy within the University.
***We are aware that some applicants are experiencing difficulty using our careers portal. Should you complete an application through our online form and receive an error, please submit your application to careers@laurentian.ca***
The official University hours of operation shall be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, during, and including, the months from September to April, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m Monday through Friday during and including May to August., amounting to thirty-three and three-quarter (33.75) hours per week.
At Laurentian University, we recognize that work-life balance is essential for both personal well-being and professional success. Our policy offers employees some flexibility to better balance personal needs while maintaining effective service delivery.
Apply Now Applications will only be accepted through our online form .
