Senior Purchaser

The role

maintains accurate procurement records, monitors supplier performance and ensures compliance with company policies and delegated approval authority.

• Manage assigned requisitions and sourcing activities from requirement through purchase order and delivery, prioritizing requirements to support production schedules and operational needs.
• Review ERP/MRP requirements, create and maintain purchase orders, confirm supplier commitments, expedite deliveries and maintain accurate purchasing records within delegated authority.
• Resolve complex purchasing, delivery, quality and order issues with suppliers and internal stakeholders; escalate material risks outside delegated authority with recommended actions.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Planning and Operations to define technical, quality, delivery and commercial requirements for sourcing activities.
• Identify, assess and recommend suppliers; develop and manage RFP/RFQ activities and coordinate technical, quality and commercial evaluations.
• Lead commercial negotiations with assigned suppliers covering pricing, lead times, delivery schedules and commercial terms within delegated authority.
• Evaluate supplier proposals considering technical compliance, quality, delivery, commercial terms, risk and total cost of ownership; develop evidence-based sourcing recommendations.
• Review material demand, shortages and supply risks with Planning, Production and Inventory teams; translate requirements into procurement and supplier actions.
• Manage assigned supplier relationships and performance, including corrective actions, delivery recovery, business reviews and improvement activities; escalate significant supplier risks as appropriate.
• Support effective inventory management and resolution of purchasing-related invoice and receipt discrepancies.
• Track and report procurement and supplier performance metrics, including delivery, quality, cycle time, savings and risk; identify and implement improvement opportunities.
• Ensure procurement activities and records comply with company policies, delegated authority, applicable regulatory requirements and QinetiQ standards.

Skill Requirements:

• Advanced procurement and sourcing skills with the ability to independently manage complex procurement requirements.
• Strong commercial negotiation, analytical and decision-making skills, including evaluation of total cost, technical compliance, quality, delivery and risk.
• Strong supplier relationship and performance-management skills, including issue resolution, corrective actions and delivery recovery.
• Ability to identify supply-chain risks, evaluate alternatives and develop practical recommendations and mitigation actions.
• Ability to interpret BOMs, SOWs, technical specifications, drawings and quality requirements.
• Strong understanding of ERP/MRP-based purchasing, material planning and inventory processes.
• Strong communication, cross-functional collaboration and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and provide functional guidance and mentoring to less-experienced employees.

🎓 What You Bring

• Diploma or degree in Supply Chain Management, Commerce, Operations Management, Engineering Technology or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of progressive procurement, purchasing or supply-chain experience, including independently managing complex sourcing and procurement requirements.
• Demonstrated experience managing competitive sourcing activities including RFP/RFQ development, supplier evaluation, commercial analysis, negotiation and sourcing recommendations.
• Experience sourcing technical, engineered, custom-manufactured or otherwise complex products and services, balancing technical requirements, quality, cost, delivery and supply risk.
• Demonstrated experience managing supplier performance, resolving complex commercial or delivery issues and identifying supply-chain risks and mitigation actions.
• Experience working cross-functionally in an ERP/MRP-based manufacturing or operational environment.

Additional Desirable Assets

• SCMP, ASCM CPIM, CSCP or equivalent recognized supply-chain/procurement credential.
• Experience in aerospace, defence, advanced manufacturing or another highly regulated technical environment.
• Experience sourcing engineered-to-order, build-to-print, custom-manufactured or low-volume/high-complexity products and services.
• Experience interpreting technical drawings, specifications, Bills of Material and Statements of Work.
• Experience with strategic sourcing, supplier development, long-term agreements and supplier performance improvement.
• Experience working within ISO 9001 environments and/or Canadian defence and controlled-goods requirements.

• Project management certification such as PMP, PRINCE2, CAPM, or equivalent is considered an asset.

• Strong understanding of project governance, risk management, and cost/schedule control

• Experience working within a structured PMO and project governance environment.

• Experience in defence, aerospace, uncrewed systems, or other highly regulated industries, with an understanding of defence customers, markets, and operating environments, is desirable.

🔐 Security

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada and meet the eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain the Government of Canada security clearance required for the position
• Must be eligible for and maintain a clear background check, including criminal record screening, as required for security clearance

💡 Why QinetiQ?

We offer a high-performing, inclusive work environment where you can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and be your authentic self. Our people-first culture supports your wellbeing, growth, and ability to make a real impact.

You’ll also benefit from a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Extended health and wellness spending accounts
• RRSP/TFSA matching
• Access to continuous learning and development opportunities
• And more!

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