Category Lead, Strategic Procurement; Construction), Supply Chain Management

Description

Procurement Services within Supply Chain Management is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Category Lead, Strategic Procurement (Construction).

The University of Calgary (the University) is a comprehensive research university, ranked one of Canada's top five research universities, combining the best of long-established university traditions with the City of Calgary's vibrant energy and diversity. The Category Lead plays a central role in advancing the University's procurement strategy and service delivery across assigned categories. This position provides leadership in complex sourcing initiatives, contract development, and category planning in support of academic, research, and operational priorities.

Reporting to senior leadership within Supply Chain Management, the Construction Category Lead is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that support construction, facilities maintenance, and infrastructure-related procurement across the institution. The role provides subject matter expertise in construction markets and delivery models, using market intelligence, spend analysis, and stakeholder engagement to drive compliant, value-driven outcomes. Experience with Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) contract frameworks is considered an asset.

The role leads a team of Procurement Specialists aligned to construction and maintenance categories, setting direction, priorities, and providing coaching to ensure consistent, high-quality sourcing execution. It is accountable for building team capability in construction procurement practices, including contract strategy, risk allocation, and contractor engagement.

The Construction Category Lead oversees competitive sourcing processes, contractor negotiations, and contract establishment, including the application of standard construction contract frameworks (e.g. CCDC) where appropriate. Working closely with Facilities teams, project stakeholders, legal, and finance, the role ensures procurement approaches align with project delivery requirements and supports a strategic, market-informed construction supply chain function.

Strategic Sourcing & Category Execution:

• Lead and execute category-level sourcing initiatives, including RFx processes, evaluations, and contract awards.
• Apply market intelligence, spend insights, and stakeholder input to support informed sourcing decisions.
• Conduct supplier evaluations, negotiations, and selection to achieve value, service, and risk objectives.
• Manage supplier relationships and monitor performance within assigned categories, addressing issues and identifying improvement opportunities.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with institutional policies, delegated authority, and applicable public sector requirements.
• Develop, monitor, and report on Supply Chain Management performance metrics and KPIs, providing actionable insights to support operational effectiveness and leadership decision making.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of sourcing practices, tools, and templates to enhance consistency and effectiveness.

Leadership, Stakeholder Engagement &

Coaching:

• Provide day-to-day guidance, coordination, and functional oversight for a team of Procurement Specialists.
• Coach and support team members in sourcing practices, stakeholder management, and supplier engagement.
• Build strong relationships with academic, research, and administrative stakeholders to understand needs and support effective procurement outcomes.
• Promote consistent, service-oriented ways of working across the team, reinforcing accountability and quality.
• Support knowledge sharing, onboarding, and development of procurement capability within the team.
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.

Construction Contracting & Project Delivery Support:

• Support the development and execution of procurement strategies aligned with construction project delivery methods (e.g., design-bid-build, design-build, construction management).
• Provide guidance on contract strategy, risk allocation, and the application of standard construction contract frameworks (e.g., CCDC).
• Collaborate with Facilities teams and project stakeholders to align procurement approaches with project scope, schedule, and budget requirements.
• Lead or support contractor prequalification, tendering, and evaluation processes for construction and maintenance work.
• Identify and mitigate commercial and contractual risks across construction projects, including change management and claims considerations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of construction procurement practices, templates, and governance to support consistency and audit defensibility.

Education:

• University degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Commerce, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline is required.
• A professional designation (e.g., SCMP, PMP) and/or an MBA or other relevant postgraduate education…