Category Lead Job Halifax Nova Scotia Canada,Business

Job Summary

Financial Services supports Dalhousie University’s academic, research, and administrative mandates through strategic financial and procurement services. Reporting to the Manager, Strategic Procurement, the Category Lead leads complex procurement initiatives, develops category strategies and procurement plans, identifies value and cost-saving opportunities, and ensures compliant, risk-conscious procurement practices.

Key Responsibilities

Lead complex, high-value procurement initiatives, including formal solicitations (RFx), market assessments, supplier engagement, evaluations, negotiations, and contract awards in compliance with legislation, trade agreements, and University policies.

Develop annual category procurement plans, conduct spend and market analysis, forecast requirements, and implement category strategies that optimize value, reduce risk, and support University priorities.

Negotiate commercial terms, oversee contract performance, monitor supplier relationships, and drive continuous value creation, innovation, and service improvements throughout the contract lifecycle.

Guide and support stakeholders on procurement best practices, policy compliance, strategic sourcing, and lead initiatives that improve procurement processes, systems, tools, and governance.

Collaborate with departments across the University to support procurement planning, increase procurement literacy, promote compliance, and advance strategic procurement principles, including sustainability and risk management.

Review and approve procurement transactions, maintain procurement records and documentation, support regulatory and audit requirements, and ensure efficient procurement operations in alignment with delegated authority and institutional standards.

Note

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Required Qualifications

Undergraduate degree with a minimum of five years of progressively responsible procurement experience, preferably in a public-sector or higher-education environment (or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience).

Professional procurement certification (SCMP, CPPB/CPPO, CIPS, PSPP) is required.

Demonstrated category leadership experience, including developing category strategies, building and executing category procurement plans, and delivering measurable outcomes (value for money, savings, risk reduction, or service improvements).

Demonstrated success leading formal RFx processes, negotiating contracts, and delivering measurable value.

Advanced proficiency with procurement systems, contract management tools, and data analysis.

Experience interpreting trade agreements and managing complex, multi‑stakeholder projects.

Strong coaching, mentoring, and leadership abilities, demonstrated with high ethical standards and a commitment to transparency, fairness, and accountability.

Assets

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s and competencies, in particular:
- Self-Awareness & Professionalism
- Integrity
- Respect & Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Knowledge & Thinking Skills

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2

SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above.