Director, Strategic Procurement

Location

Multiple locations: Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon Campus, Moose Jaw Campus, Administrative Offices, Regina Campus, Prince Albert Campus.

Employment Details

Full‑time, OOS (typically Monday – Friday core hours). Salary is aligned with the OOS salary grid.

Reporting Structure

Reports to the Associate Vice‑President, Financial Services. Direct reports include a Manager, Strategic Procurement and Asset Management and a Procurement Business Analyst, overseeing a total of 22 departmental staff.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Competitive Sourcing – collaborate with client groups to gather requirements and execute fair, transparent sourcing processes.
• Vendor and Category Management – use data analytics and market intelligence to set and manage category strategies, and oversee all vendor contracts and relationships.
• Purchasing – support day‑to‑day procurement, ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and standardized processes.
• Materials Management – receive, manage, and distribute goods and services across all campuses.

Strategic and Operational Planning

• Develop and implement strategic and operating plans for the supply chain aligned with the Financial Services business plan and Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s overall agenda.
• Formulate department goals and objectives consistent with the institution’s strategic direction.
• Educate and communicate polytechnic‑wide on initiatives, legislative changes, standards, and policy compliance.
• Provide transparent articulation of strategies and change vision.
• Coach team members in goal development, implementation, and monitoring.
• Maintain regular communication with managers and staff, valuing their input.
• Recommend policies and initiatives to senior leadership.
• Oversee supply chain operations, implementing processes to increase efficiency and financial stewardship.
• Monitor emerging trends and adjust strategies accordingly.

People Management

• Act as a resource and mentor within Financial Services and across the polytechnic.
• Foster a positive, diverse, and inclusive work environment.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development opportunities for direct reports.
• Set clear performance standards and hold employees accountable.
• Utilize human‑resources practices for recruiting, training, motivating, and evaluating staff.
• Address people‑management issues promptly while complying with the collective agreement and institutional policies.
• Conduct workforce planning aligned with divisional and institutional objectives.
• Build cross‑group relationships and resolve conflicts in a timely manner.

Relationship Management

• Internal: Foster high engagement between Strategic Procurement and client groups; maintain formal communication channels; collaborate with academic and administrative divisions to enhance student experience; contribute to operational effectiveness and policy development.
• External: Develop relationships with external agencies, educational and government organizations, colleges, and universities; share best practices; maintain proactive, long‑term relationships with strategic vendors to secure best value and service.

Client Services

• Proactively understand and exceed client needs, acting as a trusted advisor.
• Identify supply‑market trends and develop plans to meet future client needs.
• Provide insights and recommended actions based on underlying client requirements.
• Monitor governmental changes that may impact client needs.
• Maintain clear, effective communication with clients.
• Deliver responsive and responsible service.

Policy Development and Management

• Lead collaboration on the development, revision, and implementation of policies that provide consistent direction to clients.
• Provide senior‑level expertise on trade agreements and procurement policies to management.
• Ensure training on supply‑chain policies, government regulations, and procurement risk management is regularly delivered.
• Interpret and communicate implications of legislation (e.g., CFTA, NWTPA, CUSMA, CRA, customs regulations) and ensure compliance.
• Develop clear processes, procedures, and guidelines for consistent application of supply‑chain and fixed‑asset policies.
• Stay aware of evolving industry and public‑sector practices.

Travel

Travel to other campuses is required to support a cohesive, polytechnic‑wide team.

Workforce Diversity Commitment

Saskatchewan Polytechnic values workforce diversity as a strategic strength. The institution is committed to attracting and retaining Indigenous employees and fostering a representative workforce that reflects the diverse student population.