Supervisor, Procurement

Overview  The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to take only what we need, leave some for others, and keep the dish clean. This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core values, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.
Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and is expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our  Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate-aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities, and a resilient and future-ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share.

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.

The Role  Administers procurement processes (tenders, proposals, consultant selection) for client groups including: preparing documentation, evaluating bids, vendor performance evaluation, bid debriefing, and overall contract support. Administers the online bidding system.
Duties/Responsibilities   Supervises a Procurement Assistant, Procurement Analyst, and co-op student.
Administers procurement functions for client groups. Works with clients to establish project specifications/requirements. Advises on procurement practices/principals, purchasing by-law, and related legislation.
Participates in the tender, proposal, and consultant selection process for projects. Oversees documentation requirements (addenda, terms and conditions) and bid timeline schedules. Facilitates pre-bid meetings and responds to vendor inquiries. Legally witnesses and opens bid submissions; reviews, analyzes and evaluates submissions per purchasing by-law, policies, and procedures. Analyzes and participates in evaluating submissions, ensuring legal and technical compliance. Facilitates vendor interviews and debriefs with unsuccessful vendors.

Maintains records.
Recommends awards for Council/CAO approval and prepares related reports for Council/CAO, for manager approval. Oversees the preparation of purchase orders for bids awarded.
Monitors (in conjunction with clients) vendor performance on contracts, including during probationary period, to ensure work is completed per contract terms/conditions. Facilitates performance meetings with clients and vendors, and mediates issues with same.
Explains procurement processes, requirements, and outcomes to vendors; negotiates, clarifies, and settles disputes with same. Responds to public inquiries/complaints.
Responds to inquiries and provides information related to procurement processes/methods to Regional staff, vendors, and the public. Ensures goods and services are acquired competitively, fairly, and in a transparent, efficient, and accountable manner.
Negotiates contracts to meet client requirements related to contract performance and technical, pricing, terms, and conditions.
Additional Duties/Responsibilities   Administers electronic bidding website. Participates in system expansions/enhancements. Liaises with corporate IT and vendor to ensure system compatibility.
Maintains bid document records and statistics. Provides information to management and for municipal benchmarking.
Conducts training related to procurement practices, including changes to the purchasing by-law to Regional staff.
Interprets sales tax rulings and applies tax and commodity codes to purchase requisitions. Coordinates and verifies cross-border purchases for customs clearance.
Authorizes awards and commits the Region (up to $150,000). Has signing authority for purchase requisitions and invoices. Has a purchasing card.
Consults with senior management and Legal Services on complex, political, or litigious issues.
Backs up the Manager as required.
Performs related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities   Knowledge and skills normally acquired through a Bachelor’s degree (e.g., Business Administration, Supply Chain Management), plus Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMA) designation or a Certified Professional Procurement Officer (CPPO) designation, plus progressively responsible public sector experience.
Knowledge of all phases of governmental contracting, including the bid, tender, and proposal process; vendor evaluation performance; report writing; and understanding of financial management.
Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures; procurement principles, standards, and guidelines; trade agreements; related legislation (e.g., Combines Investigation Act, Sale of Goods Act, health and safety, construction lien, labour relations, contract law, taxes, customs, special licenses), and collective agreements.
Ability to keep knowledge of market conditions, product, and technological changes current.
Research, analytical,…