Purchasing Officer

About Toronto Metropolitan

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world. For a more in-depth understanding of our vision, core values and ongoing work, please see our

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people.

Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada. In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our .

Our Team: Financial Services

The division is responsible for accounting and reporting on the financial transactions of the University including specifically accounting and treasury, procurement and payables, collection services, financial systems and training and providing excellent client service, advising and assisting departments on research, budgetary and financial matters, policies and processes. We support the University by managing its financial affairs in an efficient, innovative and professional manner. We are dedicated to providing leadership, information, training, support and advice.

The and shipping/receiving and mail service teams are a key part of this division. It is the mission of the purchasing and payment units to:

• Provide support and advice to staff, faculty and suppliers in the execution of open, fair and transparent competitive bids for purchases of goods and services.
• Deliver payment services that provide on time disbursements to suppliers and meet or exceed the established timelines for reimbursing students, staff, and faculty.
• Distribute goods and mail deliveries in an efficient and timely manner across the campus.
• Maximize customer satisfaction by providing timely, efficient, and courteous service.

The Opportunity

As Purchasing Officer, you will lead the execution of high-dollar value, complex purchasing activities requiring competitive procurement processes for the School of Medicine, as well as strategic procurement initiatives for Information Technology (IT) hardware and software, and other key University commodity portfolios. These portfolios may include enterprise software, technology solutions, professional services, research-related procurements, and other complex goods and services.

Whenever possible, you will investigate, evaluate, present, and implement procurement solutions available through collaborative buying organizations such as Mohawk Medbuy, Ontario Education Collaborative Marketplace, Supply Ontario, and others to maximize value and leverage existing agreements. This role will also support procurement projects across other areas of the University, as required.

You'll oversee the full procurement lifecycle from initiation through post-implementation, utilizing standardized templates and computerized i-Procurement systems. Responsibilities include collaborative procurement planning; leading competitive procurement processes; negotiating supplier contracts and agreements; managing supplier relationships in collaboration with clients; providing benchmarking data and procurement analytics; developing second-stage procurement documents under existing Vendor of Record (VOR) arrangements; and preparing agreements for goods and services for legal review. These activities will support the University's commitment to open, fair, and transparent procurement processes to ensure compliance with University policies, procedures, applicable public procurement legislation, and trade agreements.

The role will also develop tools, templates, and best practices to support the School of Medicine, IT, and other University departments in effectively utilizing the agreements established through these procurement initiatives and advancing strategic sourcing across key commodity areas.

Please demonstrate in your resume and covering letter how you meet the following position requirements. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a post-secondary degree program with over six (6) years of related work experience at a senior procurement level, including experience procuring health care, information technology (IT) hardware and software, and other goods and services within the public sector.
• Experience purchasing goods and services for the health care education sector, the health care sector in Ontario, IT hardware and software, and other strategic commodity categories, utilizing collaborative buying organizations (e.g., Mohawk Medbuy, OECM, Supply Ontario) is preferred.
• Experience operating in a public procurement environment, preferably with an Ontario Ministry/Agency or other Broader Public Sector (BPS) or public sector organization.
• Working knowledge of public trade agreements and procurement legislation, including the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), Ontario-Quebec Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and the BPS Procurement Directive.
• Completion of the Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation or another recognized procurement or supply chain certification is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multiple concurrent, high-value and complex competitive procurement projects across health care, IT hardware and software, and other commodity categories.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and strategic sourcing skills, with experience drafting and negotiating complex long-term agreements and managing Vendor of Record (VOR) arrangements and supplier relationships throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Strong computer skills, including experience using automated procurement systems (e.g., Oracle), Microsoft Office applications (particularly Word and Excel), databases, and electronic communication tools.
• Considerable knowledge of procurement systems, processes, policies, procedures, insurance, legal, and contractual requirements within the university or broader public sector, including procurement of IT solutions and other complex commodity categories.
• Strong client service skills with the ability to understand business needs, provide strategic procurement advice, and build effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop competitive procurement documents (e.g., RFQ, RFP, RFI, and NRFP), prepare procurement recommendations, conduct cost analyses, and provide guidance on procurement policies and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment, exercising initiative, sound judgment, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands and consistently meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.